Starting S5 in August 2026

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course will provide an introduction to practical bakery skills in craft baking, bread making, cake decoration, and pastry making.

You’ll learn from experienced lecturers with real industry expertise, gaining hands-on skills in a welcoming and supportive environment. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to take the next step - whether that’s further study, starting your career or sharing show-stopping bakes with friends and family.

Course Content

On this course you will be making a range of sweet and savoury baked goods, including bread, pastry, pies, cakes, gateaux and desserts.

Course Qualification

NPA Bakery - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Professional Cookery - SCQF level 5
• Professional Cookery - Modern Apprenticeship

Available to S4, S5, S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Alness Academy, Dornoch Academy, Golspie High School, Invergordon Academy and Tain Royal Academy.

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

This course will provide you with the introductory skills to beauty and basic hairstyling. You will gain experience in cleansing the skin and applying makeup, as well as basic manicures including nail art. Additionally, you will learn to style hair with straighteners and tongs, and master various plaits.

Course Content

• Facial skin care and make-up
• Manicure and creative nail finishes
• An introduction to hairstyling

Course Qualification

NPA Beauty and Hairstyling - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Barbering - SVQ2
• Beauty - SVQ2
• Hairdressing - SVQ2
• Hairdressing - Modern Apprenticeship

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This one-year programme will give you a broad introduction to hairdressing. Experience the salon environment and learn about different roles and responsibilities in hairdressing.  You will also gain practical experience of general salon duties to support stylists and to assist with customer care. You will practice shampooing, conditioning and blow drying and explore the creative side of hairdressing.

Course Content

• Hairdressing: Salon Awareness
• Hairdressing: Working in the Salon
• Hairdressing: Employability Skills
• Hairdressing: Creativity

Course Qualification

Skills for Work Hairdressing - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Barbering SVQ2 - SCQF Level 5
• Hairdressing SVQ 2 - SCQF Level 5
• Beauty Therapy SVQ2 - SCQF Level 5
• Hairdressing - Modern Apprenticeship

Available to S4, S5, S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Alness Academy, Dornoch Academy, Golspie High School, Invergordon Academy and Tain Royal Academy.

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

This course will provide an introduction on how to prepare, cook and serve food. You will be shown a variety of skills for sweet and savoury dishes including how to grate, slice, dice, chop, and peel.

You’ll learn from experienced lecturers who’ve worked across the industry and bring real-world knowledge straight into the kitchen. By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence and foundation you need to begin your path in professional cookery.

Course Content

• Use of professional kitchen equipment
• Food prep skills: Grating, slicing, dicing, chopping and peeling.
• Planning your time and cooking as part of a team
• Professional hygiene standards

Course Qualification

NPA Professional Cookery - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Professional Cookery - SCQF level 5
• Professional Cookery - Modern Apprenticeship

Available to S5 and S6

Course Summary

At UHI Inverness, our Acting & Performance courses don’t just teach acting - you also develop movement, voice and stagecraft. Through practical workshops you’ll build a solid foundation in all aspects of performance. Classes are delivered in our well-equipped performing arts studio. This means you’ll learn with quality lighting, sound and production support - just like in the professional world.

Course Content

• Drama: Theatre Skills in Performance
• Professional Theatre in Context
• Stage Make-up
• Communication

Course Qualification

NPA: Acting and Performance - SCQF Level 6

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• HNC Acting and Performance

Available to S5 and S6

Course Summary

This is the ideal course for you if you are interested in developing an art and design portfolio with integrated digital skills. You will have the opportunity to focus on photography and animation and/or painting and drawing which includes analytical and life drawing. The course will have a personal project focus and teach you how to develop creative sketchbook skills. It will support you to make an online portfolio for application to further or higher education and will include photography as research, documentation and as tool for visual presentation purpose. The programme also supports study skills required for further study. The course focusses on industry practice and will introduce you to a range of disciplinary areas within the field of art and design.

Course Content

• 2D Design and Sketchbook Development Skills
• Using a Keyboard
• Art and Design: Animation Skills
• Art and Design: Analytical Drawing
• Photography: Basic Camera Techniques
• Life Drawing

Course Qualification

Create Me: Visual Arts - SCQF level 6

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• HNC Visual Communication
• HNC Contemporary Art Practice
• UAL Art and Design Level 3 Award and Diploma SCQF Level 6

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in the complex nature of crime and in the way the criminal justice system operates. The course covers areas such as crime in the community and crime scenes. Students will work independently and as part of a team when researching approaches to crime and justice and will develop their communication, time management and team working skills which are invaluable in any workplace setting.

Course Content

• Criminology: Crime in the Community
• Criminology: Crime Scenes
• The History and Development of Criminology

Course Qualification

• NPA Criminology - SCQF level 5

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Social Science - SCQF level 6

Available to S4, S5, S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Alness Academy, Dornoch Academy, Golspie High School, Invergordon Academy and Tain Royal Academy.

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

This course is your gateway to working with children and supporting their development during the most important years of life. You’ll explore the key roles and responsibilities of childcare practitioners and gain the knowledge and confidence to begin your journey in this rewarding sector.

Course Content

• Child development
• Play in early education & childcare
• Working in early education & childcare
• Contemporary families

Course Qualification

Skills for Work Early Education and Childcare - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Pathways to Care, Health and Society - SCQF Level 5

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

Health and social care is a broad field covering healthcare, social work, mental health, and community support. This introductory course will provide you a clear overview of the diverse roles and responsibilities across the sector and deepen your understanding of how different services work together.

Course Content

• An Introduction to Health and Social Care
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Health Awareness
• Working Safely
• Life Science Industry

Course Qualification

Skills for Work Health and Social Care - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Pathways to Care, Health and Society - SCQF level 5

Available to S5 and S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Ullapool High School

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

The Foundation Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care at SCQF Level 6 offers pupils the chance to combine classroom learning with valuable work-based experience in settings such as care homes, community services, or healthcare environments. Learners develop knowledge of human development, wellbeing, and professional standards while gaining practical skills through real workplace placements. 

This qualification is highly valued by employers and universities. Notably, the University of Aberdeen accepts the Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare as equivalent to a Higher at grade A in a science subject for entry into Medicine. This means completing the apprenticeship can strengthen your application for competitive courses like medicine, nursing or social work, while giving you a rewarding experience and a clear pathway to future careers.

Course Content

• Social services in Scotland
• Communication in care relationships
• Safeguarding people
• Safe Practice and Wellbeing in Social Services
• Human development and social influences
• SVQ units aligned with Work Placement 

Course Qualification

Foundation Apprenticeship: Health and Social Care - SCQF level 6

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• HNC Social Services
• Pathways to Health Professions

Available to S5 and S6

Course Summary

Our Higher Psychology Programme opens the door to your understanding of what shapes human thoughts and actions. You'll explore individual behaviour, social interactions and the science behind psychological research. You’ll also gain hands-on experience by designing and conducting your own research project, building skills that universities and employers value highly. Whether you’re curious about how the mind works or planning a future in psychology, this course is your perfect starting point!

Course Content

• Analysing Individual Behaviours: Understand what influences thoughts, emotions and actions
• Exploring Social Behaviours: Discover how relationships, group dynamics and cultural factors shape behaviour
• Applying Research Methods: Gain practical skills in designing and conducting psychological research

Course Qualification

Higher Psychology - SCQF Level 6

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• HNC Social Sciences
• BSc (Hons) Psychology

Available to S5, S6

Course Summary

This award is designed to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of current practices, thinking and philosophies of sports development and its impact on communities and sport in general.

Course Content

• Build practical skills in planning, delivering, and evaluating sports development.
• Gain transferable skills for careers in or beyond the sports industry, strengthen your study techniques, and explore areas tailored to your interests.

Course Qualification

NPA Sports Development - SCQF level 6

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• HNC Fitness, Health and Exercise (with additional Higher at C or above)

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

Discover the vital roles of Uniformed and Emergency Services Explore and how they keep our communities safe and secure. This course introduces you to careers in Uniformed Services: Merchant Navy, Army, Prison Service, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Royal Marines. You'll also explore the Emergency Services: Ambulance, Coastguard, Police, and Fire & Rescue. Learn what each service does; their responsibilities, and how you could be part of these essential teams making a real difference every day.

Course Content

• Uniformed and Emergency Services: An Introduction
• Uniformed and Emergency Services: Health, Safety, Fitness and Well-being
• Uniformed and Emergency Services: Engaging with the Community
• Uniformed and Emergency Services: Working in Teams

Course Qualification

Skills for Work Uniformed and Emergency Services - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Sport and Fitness - SCQF level 5

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

With the increasing demand for skilled cyber and IT professionals, this course provides an essential foundation in hardware, software, networking and security. You will gain hands-on experience installing and maintaining computer systems, building small networks and exploring how data is protected in real-world environments.

The cyber security units delivered through the TryHackMe sandbox, giving you the opportunity to work through realistic cyber-attack and defence scenarios in a safe, controlled environment. By completing this course, you’ll develop the technical confidence needed to progress into further study or entry-level roles in IT support, networking or cyber security.

Course Content

• Computer Networks - Install and maintain computer hardware
• Computer Networks - Install and maintain computer software
• Computer Networks - Computer networking fundamentals
• Cyber Security - Data security
• Cyber Security - Digital forensics
• Cyber Security - Ethical hacking

Course Qualification

UHI Inverness College Certificate

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Computing with Esports - NQ Level 5 SCQF Level 5
• Computing with Cyber Security - SCQF Level 6

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

The Esports industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, offering exciting opportunities in gaming, events, media and technology. This course introduces you to the core skills needed to take your first steps into this dynamic field. You will learn how to work as part of a team, communicate effectively and understand the key roles that make competitive gaming possible. 

Throughout the course, you’ll develop practical experience by exploring game performance, analysing player roles and helping to plan and support small-scale esports activities. These hands-on tasks build confidence, promote digital awareness and mirror the types of teamwork and problem-solving valued across the wider computing and creative industries. If you’re enthusiastic about gaming, curious about how esports events operate, or keen to develop your digital and teamwork skills, this course provides the perfect introduction. 

Course Content

• Game Performance
• Organising and promoting events
• The Esports Industry

Course Qualification

NPA Esports - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Computing with Esports - NQ level 5 SCQF level 5

Available to S5, S6

Course Summary

The Higher Application of Mathematics course covers the topics of Finance, Statistics, mathematical modelling and uses R Software for statistical analysis. This combination makes the Higher quite unique and applicable to people seeking employment in a range of industries. The statistics and mathematical modelling lends itself to Science, Business and Engineering applications.

Course Content

Equip candidates with the mathematical and statistical literacy skills they need for life, work and further study in a wide range of curricular areas: 

• Develop candidates’ financial literacy in real-life contexts
• Show candidates how they can use appropriate digital technology to manipulate and model mathematical, statistical and financial information
• Develop candidates’ mathematical reasoning skills so that they can generalise, build arguments, draw logical conclusions, assess risk, and make informed decisions in familiar and unfamiliar situations
• Develop candidates’ range of mathematical skills so that they can analyse, interpret and present data and numerical information
• Provide candidates with the skills to appraise quantitative information critically, considering modelling or statistical assumptions

Course Qualification

Higher - SCQF level 6

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• HNC Applied Sciences

Available to S5, S6

Course Summary

You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the interactions between humans and the environment, Earth’s resources, and sustainability through a scientific exploration of ecosystem principles and contemporary resource use across society. The course expands your scientific skills and experience by examining core principles, methods, data collection, interpretation, and analysis. Investigative fieldwork will be carried out in local areas, providing valuable experience for future study in the sciences or employment in outdoor or science-related fields.

Course Content

You will study a range of broad and up-to-date ideas relevant to the increasingly important role of environmental science in society.  The implications of these interactions for the future wellbeing of the environment in its widest context will be a central theme of the course.

Course Qualification

Higher - SCQF level 6

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• HNC Applied Science

Available to S4, S5, S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Drummond School, Kingussie High School, St Duthus and St Clements

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

If you like working outside with your hands and enjoy nature and all it has to offer, then this is the course for you. You will learn valuable practical skills preparing you for a wide range of employment opportunities available in the rural communities. You will learn about plants, trees and wildlife whilst finding out about the broad range of industries that you can choose to train up for and earn a living from.

Course Content

• Estate Maintenance
• Land-based industries
• Employability skills for land-based industries
• Crop production
• Soft landscaping

Course Qualification

Skills for Work - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Introduction to the Woodland Environment - SCQF level 4

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course is designed for pupils who receive additional support in school to provide an introduction to college life. It allows pupils to sample a range of activities from Supported Education curriculum and to make an informed choice about college as a post school option. Pupils with high levels of support will require PSA from their school to attend alongside them.

You should choose this course to sample college life, to develop confidence in another setting and to study with pupils from other schools.

Course Content

• Transition to Further Education
• Learning in a New Environment
• Exploring a Local Area
• Participating in Group Activities and Project 

Course Qualification

SCQF level 1 & 2

Available to S4, S5, S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Alness Academy, Dingwall Academy, Invergordon Academy and Tain Royal Academy.

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

This Foundation Apprenticeship gives you a real insight into the construction industry and the skills needed for a future career. You’ll try a range of construction crafts such as carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating, brickwork, and plumbing, while also learning technical elements like interpreting drawings, planning projects, and understanding materials and processes.

Course Content

• Practical experience in carpentry, joinery, painting and decorating, brickwork, and plumbing
• Technical skills: interpreting drawings, planning, and material selection
• Health and safety awareness and sustainable practices
• Work-based challenge project

Course Qualification

Foundation Apprenticeship Construction level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Craft
• Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Technical

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This Foundation Apprenticeship introduces pupils to skills needed for a career in construction. You'll learn a broad range of hands-on, practical skills and gain an understanding what is required within a trade or technician background to enable you to decide if a career in construction could be for you.

Course Content

• Practical experience in carpentry, joinery, painting and decorating, brickwork, and plumbing
• Technical skills: interpreting drawings, planning, and material selection
• Health and safety awareness and sustainable practices, Work-based challenge project

Course Qualification

Foundation Apprenticeship Construction level 5

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Craft
• Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Technical

Available to S5

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Ullapool High School.

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

This Foundation Apprenticeship offers you an exciting opportunity to gain invaluable practical work experience and industry recognised qualifications. Working in partnership with local Civil Engineering employers, you will gain a unique insight into the sector helping you to make a more informed decision about your future career and study options.

You will complete a National Certificate in Civil Engineering and 2 units from the SVQ level 3 qualification.

Course Content

National Certificate in Civil Engineering

• Civil Engineering Technology
• Civil Engineering Materials
• Mathematics for Construction
• Civil Engineering Site Work
• Drawing for Construction
• Mechanics for Construction: An Introduction
• Computer-Aided Drafting: An Introduction
• Construction Site Surveying: An Introduction
• Health and Safety in the Construction Industry
• Sustainability in the Construction Industry
• Civil Engineering Project

SVQ level 3

• Health and Safety
• Professional relationships

Course Qualification

FA Civil Engineering - SCQF level 6

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• HNC Civil Engineering
• Graduate Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course introduces you to the furniture, design and joinery industry with a strong focus on practical construction techniques. You’ll develop technical skills in design, calculations and workshop practice while working on projects that combine theory with hands-on experience.

If you enjoy practical work and want to learn how furniture is designed and built, this course is a great choice. You’ll gain technical skills, creative experience and confidence using industry-standard tools.

Course Content

• Workshop Practice
• Drawing: An Introduction
• Furniture: Timber Frame
• Furniture: Carcase Making 
• Material Costing
• Polishing / Veneering

Course Qualification

NPA Furniture Making - SCQF level 5

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Modern Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery

Available to S5, S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Ullapool High School.

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

Are you planning to study an engineering course at college or university? Would you like to do an engineering apprenticeship? If so, Introduction to Civil Engineering is designed to support you.

This course introduces you to the fundamentals of civil engineering, from site work and materials to surveying and computer-aided design, giving you practical experience and insight into one of the most important sectors in the built environment.

Course Content

• Civil Engineering Site Work
• Civil Engineering Materials
• Civil Engineering Technology
• Drawing for Construction
• Computer Aided Drafting: An Introduction
• Construction Site Surveying: An Introduction

Course Qualification

Introduction to Civil Engineering SCQF level 6

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Foundation Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering (year 2)
• HNC Civil Engineering

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course provides a basis for progression into further education or for moving directly into training or employment in the motor vehicle engineering sector by developing the necessary generic and practical skills, knowledge and understanding and employability skills.

You will focus on the broad areas of automotive engineering, including mechanical, fabrication, electrical, electronic, maintenance, hybrid, and on an element of design and manufacture.

Course Content

• Automotive Skills: The Garage – You will learn about the retail automotive industry and the range of jobs and responsibilities within it. You will also be introduced to health and safety in vehicle service and repair workshops.
• Automotive Skills: The Technician – You will learn the names, functions and serviceability of automotive components, and how to work safely in an automotive engineering environment. There will also be opportunities to learn how to use a range of common hand tools as well as more specialised equipment, such as the torque wrench and trolley jack.
• Automotive Skills: The Car – For this unit you will learn basic safety checks, wheel changing and valeting, as carried out by technicians in the industry. You will gain experience of removing and refitting vehicle service items.
• Automotive Skills: The Vehicle Modification Project – In this project, you will apply all the skills you have learnt on the course, as well as solving the kind of problems facing an automotive technician.

Course Qualification

Skills for Work Motor Vehicle - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Motor Vehicle - IMI Diploma Level 1 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair SCQF Level 4

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course introduces you to essential engineering skills in fabrication, welding, and thermal cutting. You’ll learn to work safely and efficiently using technical information and industry-standard methods, while developing valuable employability skills. Completing this SVQ1 is a great first step toward a career in engineering or further study.

Course Content

You will work on a series of small projects to develop your building engineering skills, including:  

• Designing of the projects using drawings and sketches
• Planning the projects including material, size, shape and technical skills or ability required
• Preparing by template making, checking for defects, cleaning the material and marking out
• Cutting by hand tools and mechanical or thermal methods
• Forming and shaping with a variety of tools and equipment
• Joining involving welding and mechanical techniques

Course Qualification

SVQ in Performing Engineering Operations - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Welding and Fabrication SVQ2 - SCQF Level 5

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course is designed as a hands-on introduction to renewable energy, aimed at senior phase pupils who want practical skills and a clear pathway into green careers.  Unlike traditional construction courses, it combines plumbing and electrical installation skills with an understanding of sustainable technologies such as heat pumps and solar thermal systems.

What makes it unique is its pre-apprenticeship focus, giving learners the confidence and competence to progress into apprenticeships, further study, or entry-level roles in the energy sector.  The programme reflects Scotland’s commitment to net zero, ensuring learners gain skills that are in high demand as the industry evolves.

Students will benefit from real-world learning in college workshops, supported by staff with industry experience.  

Course Content

• Practical introduction to sustainable technologies such as heat pumps and solar thermal systems.
• Combines plumbing, electrical installation, and mechanical fundamentals for a well-rounded skill set.
• Designed to prepare learners for apprenticeships, further study, or entry-level roles in the energy sector.
• Delivered in college workshops with real-world tasks and problem-solving activities.
• Developed in response to employer demand and Scotland’s net zero targets.
• Promotes awareness of sustainability and the role of renewable energy in modern society.

Course Qualification

National 5 Skills for Work Energy (SCQF Level 5)

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• NC Engineering Practice