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 and Literature BA (Hons)

Course code V21L

What is special about this course?

The joint honours degree in history and literature allows you to turn your passion for the past and for writing into an interesting career.

The BA (Hons) History and Literature covers a range of approaches, from thematic modules that cover a variety of places and historical periods, to concentrated and in-depth studies of a particular group of authors or periods of history.

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

You can also choose to specialise in Scottish History at the upper levels and graduate with a BA (Hons) Scottish History and Literature degree. 

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

Special features

  • You will explore literature and history in a local and global context
  • The degree can be studied full time or part time to suit your personal circumstances
  • You can study individual modules for personal or professional development
  • You can specialise in Scottish History at the upper levels to enable you to exit with a Scottish History and Literature degree
  • The humanities staff at UHI specialise in high quality video-conference teaching supported by a dynamic virtual learning environment and expansive online resources
  • There are opportunities to volunteer at local museums and archives, and occasional voluntary field trips in the university's region also enhance the experience of your degree
  • Exciting new modules based on staffs' cutting-edge research are offered at upper level

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 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 which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, 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 History at UHI Argyll.

Apply for History and Literature BA (Hons)

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025

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.

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Data for courses in History at University of the Highlands and Islands

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