Highland Pathway to Healthcare: Medicine & Pharmacy
Course summary
Open to S6 pupils, the Highland Pathway to Healthcare: Medicine and Pharmacy course offers more than just an introduction to healthcare - it immerses you in it. You’ll gain hands-on experience, meet the professionals making a real difference every day, and explore what it truly means to build a career dedicated to helping others.
This is your chance to step into the worlds of medicine, pharmacy, science, chemistry, and beyond. Along the way, you’ll develop valuable skills, strengthen your university applications, and discover where your ambitions can take you.
Developed through a unique partnership between the University of Aberdeen (Medicine), Robert Gordon University (Pharmacy), and NHS Highland, this programme brings expert knowledge and practical experience directly to the Highlands. You can begin your studies locally, combining hands-on learning with academic insight, before progressing into your chosen pathway in medicine or pharmacy.
Available to: S5 pupils starting S6 in August 2026, or current S6 pupils leaving school in June 2026.
Location: Face-to-face at UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration: 1 Year (August to April)
Day/time: Your start times and days may vary. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
Offer Expectations
If you're offered a place, we’d love for you to join an Offer Holder Day on 5 June, 12 June or both. It’s a great chance to meet your lecturers and classmates and confirm your place for August.
Course Content
HNC Applied Science modules with additional degree level modules, including:
- Development of Study/Meta Skills
- Personal Planning
Course Qualification
- Highland Pathway to Healthcare: Medicine and Pharmacy - HECert
Progression
Students will be guaranteed an interview on their chosen pathway at University of Aberdeen or Robert Gordon University. Students who are then offered a conditional place to study at Aberdeen University (Medicine) or RGU (Pharmacy) will still be subject to the below:
- Any non-academic criteria set out by the partner universities
- Passing the UCAT exam (Medicine only)
- 90% attendance on the Highland Pathway to Healthcare course
- Passing the Highland Pathway to Healthcare Course - 60% pass rate across the whole course
- Any other conditions set by UoA and RGU
As students are not guaranteed a place on their chosen degree with either UoA or RGU, UHI Inverness will support those who are unsuccessful in applying for a suitable course within the UHI partnership:
Entry Requirements
Applicant will have:
- 2 Scottish Highers at grade A
- 2 Scottish Highers at grade B
Qualifications must include two Science Highers - this does not include Psychology.
Essential Criteria:
- Students must live in a Highland Post Code and study at a Highland School.
- Students must be eligible for Scottish tuition funding.
We would particularly welcome applications from pupils who meet the below widening access criteria:
- Receiving Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
- Receiving Free School Meals
- Care Experienced
- Young Carer
The applicant will also be interviewed, have a PVG and Occupational Health check.
All pupils must liaise with their guidance teacher when making an application to this course.
