The information on this course page is for the 2025/26 academic year, starting in September 2025. January 2025 starts are only available if 'I want to start in JAN 2025' appears in the Apply section below.

History BA (Hons)

Course code V210

What is special about this course?

If you are interested in putting people and society at the centre of your studies of the past, then the BA (Hons) History degree is exactly what you are looking for. Throughout the course you will investigate the cultural, political, social and economic history of Britain, Europe and the Atlantic World, across a variety of chronologies from medieval to modern, with opportunities to specialise in Scottish History. 

Each year, you will build on your analytical and research abilities through a series of skills modules. 

In the first and second years, you will follow a broad approach to the study of history from the medieval to the modern period.  

In years three and four, you will examine in-depth particular topics of history, allowing you to study specific places, periods, themes and approaches which reflect staff research specialisms, including public and community history. You can choose to specialise in Scottish History at the upper levels and graduate with a BA (Hons) Scottish History degree.

Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.

Special features

  • You will have the opportunity to focus on the history of Scotland, Britain, Europe and the Atlantic world 
  • You can specialise in Scottish History at the upper levels to enable you to exit with a Scottish History degree
  • Exciting new modules based on staffs' cutting-edge research are offered at upper level, including a flagship Public History module at third year with a range of guest speakers 
  • The Centre for History and wider humanities at UHI specialise in high quality video-conference teaching supported by a dynamic virtual learning environment and expansive online resources 
  • You can study full time or part time to suit your personal circumstances  
  • Individual modules can be studied for personal or professional development, which can be of particular interest to teachers looking to diversify their portfolio
  • The Centre for History holds regular research seminars to which students are welcome
  • There are opportunities to volunteer at local museums and archives, and occasional (voluntary) field trips in the university's region enhance the experience of your degree

Entry requirements

Entry to year one:

  • 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or
  • 2 A levels at grade BC or above
  • At least two should be from the list of relevant academic subjects.
  • Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis

Advanced entry to year two:

  • HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit, will be considered for direct entry to year two

Access routes

SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.

Other relevant humanities access courses will also be considered on an individual basis.

I was still quite young when I finished school so although I did consider other universities, I decided to stay close to home.  During my final year I was awarded the Highland Society of London prize which is presented to the best undergraduate dissertation in the Humanities and Gaelic network across the Highlands and Islands. 

It was a huge honour to be given that prize and I'm grateful to my UHI mentor who supported me all the way. My advice to potential applicants would be to do it! Everything you could possibly imagine is within UHI and you can gain the qualification that you want while staying local.

Caitlin studied the BA (Hons) History at UHI Argyll.

Apply for History BA (Hons)

I want to start in Jan/Feb 2025 or Aug/Sep 2025 or Jan/Feb 2026

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.