Social Sciences HND

What is special about this course?

If you're curious about how the world works and have an interest in areas like history, criminal justice, sociology, politics, or psychology, our HND Social Sciences is the ideal choice for you.

Taught by a team of experts, this course dives into the study of people and society, helping you understand how Scotland and the UK have developed into what they are today. You'll explore a range of subjects while also gaining valuable, transferable skills that are essential for the workplace or further study.

Throughout the course, you'll learn to handle complex information, interpret statistics, and develop your research, analytical, and communication skills. You’ll also enhance your critical thinking skills around social and cultural issues, equipping you to navigate real-world challenges, whether you're considering pursuing a degree or exploring a new career path.

Special features

• Taught by a team of experts
• Relevant to Scotland and the Highlands today

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

For entry to year 1, HNC Social Sciences:

• 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, preferably including English, History or Modern Studies OR
• 1 A level at grade D or above, preference for English or History
• Subjects can also include Sociology or Psychology
• This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/units, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional modules/units, but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
• You may be required to attend an interview and may be asked to demonstrate your discursive writing skills
• You must also have regular and reliable access to the internet and a computer in order to take advantage of our full range of online learning services, which include support from your tutors and fellow UHI students as well as access to UHI’s Virtual Learning Environment and vast online learning library. Click here for more information on the minimum requirements. 

Direct entry to year two:

• Successful completion of HNC Social Sciences with all 15 credits and at least a C in the Graded Unit

Year 1 - HND

Year 1 of this course is HNC Social Sciences.

Year 2 - HND

You will study the following core modules:

• An investigation into the social sciences
• Criminology
• Graded unit 2
• Graded unit 3
• History C
• Politics C
• Politics D
• Psychology C
• Sociology C
• Sociology D

Fees

Scottish

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

Most of the core texts will be available via UHI E:books, but if you wish to buy your own copies this will cost approximately £100.