Starting S6 in August 2027
Our senior phase courses are geared towards developing key employability skills and designed to expand your awareness of a subject area to help influence your choices in the future. These courses allow you to progress through the different levels of study available within your area of interest.
These courses count as one of your school column choices in your senior phase years and can be added into your existing school timetable. These courses are open to all students who would ordinarily be attending senior phase years within school.
It is essential that you submit your application through the school application process rather than any full-time application routes. Applications submitted outside the school process will be treated as full-time applications and assessed as if you are a school leaver.
Schools Programme HNC Offer
Applications for our Schools HNC programmes (2027-28) are now open.
HNC Accounting
HNC Accounting
Available S6
Course Summary
The HNC Accounting covers a wide range of accounting concepts and provides you with an excellent grounding in the principles of financial and management accounting using manual and computerised approaches. It is designed to prepare you for a career in accounting or financial administration.
Course Content
- Cost accounting
- Graded unit 1: accounting
- Management accounting using IT
- Preparing financial statements
- Recording financial information
- Using financial accounting software
Course Qualification
HNC Accounting - SCQF Level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
Entry Requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above. (preferably in a numeracy-based subject)
- Alternatively, NC Business (with 70% Accounting units) or NC Accounting OR
- Foundation Apprenticeship in: Accountancy, Business Skills, or Financial Services
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Acting and Performance
HNC Acting and Performance
Available S6
Course Summary
Do you have experience in performance? Or have you always wanted to pursue your interest but never taken it further? Now is your time. Develop your skills in voice, movement, acting, and stage craft with our HNC.
Be part of performances in the community and in our versatile performing arts studio, collaborating with students on the BA (Hons) Drama and Production to trial run your performances in scratch performance nights, work in teams, share leadership opportunities, and take part in innovative and creative approaches to working in rehearsal and performance.
Course Content
- Acting 1: developing skills
- Acting and performance: group award graded unit 1
- Movement 1: developing skills
- Production 1: developing skills
- Voice 1: developing skills
Course Qualification
HNC Acting and Performance - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
Entry Requirements
- 2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above, preferably in Drama or English.
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis
- Applicants will be required to attend and pass a group interview and audition
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time;
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Administration and Information Technology
HNC Administration and Information Technology
Available S6
Course Summary
This course is designed for today’s fast-paced business world, equipping you with the tech skills and practical knowledge every industry values. You’ll dive into real-world tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and databases, while also developing skills in communication, finance and digital admin.
Course Content
- Develop skills in MS Office apps: Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- Digital tech: Using cloud tools and digital platforms
- Business communication: Email formatting and best practice
- Office admin: Schedule and meeting management
- Recording financial transactions: Understand how businesses track money and keep accounts accurate.
- Personal development planning: Setting goals and building confidence
Course Qualification
HNC Administration and Information Technology - SCQF Level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
- BA (Hons) Business and Management - Year 2
Entry Requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, preferably including English, Administration, Business, or Accountancy
- Alternatively, a relevant NC qualification totalling at least 12 credits, NQ Administration and Information Technology or NQ Administration OR
- Foundation Apprenticeship Accountancy or Foundation Apprenticeship Business Skills
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Applied Sciences
HNC Applied Sciences
Available S6
Course Summary
The HNC Applied Sciences course is a wide-ranging course, covering the theoretical and practical aspects of modern sciences. You will study ecology, environmental issues and the core sciences. You will also develop your laboratory skills and improve your research and writing skills.
You will learn a broad range of sciences, such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Environmental disciplines. This course will allow you to develop scientific theoretical knowledge, scientific communication and presentation skills, while conducting specialised research.
Course Content
- Mathematics for science
- Statistics for science
- Applied sciences: graded unit
- Fundamental chemistry: theory and laboratory skills
- Cell biology: theory and laboratory skills
- Laboratory skills for science industries
- Physics for life sciences
Course Qualification
HNC Applied Sciences - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
Entry Requirements
- 2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above (including 1 science subject) OR grades CD or above (including two science subjects) OR
- NC/NQ in a Science subject such as NQ Access to Science or NC Applied Science OR
- Completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship Food and Drink Technologies, plus 1 Scottish Higher in Science and National 5 Chemistry or Biology (or equivalent) OR
- Foundation Apprenticeship Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills) plus National 5 Chemistry or Biology (or equivalent)
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Architectural Technology
HNC Architectural Technology
Available S6
Course Summary
This course offers a strong pathway to degree-level study in the built environment. You’ll work in a design-studio setting on practical projects that help you develop a compelling portfolio, while gaining a solid grounding in architectural technology and construction principles.
If you’re passionate about architecture and design, this course is an ideal fit. You’ll gain hands-on experience through studio projects, build your CAD and technical skills, and develop a portfolio that prepares you for further study or a career in the built environment.
Course Content
- Architectural design sketching and drawing
- Construction technology: substructure
- Construction technology: industrial/commercial superstructure
- CAD: 2D1
- Architectural procedures
- Building services in large building
- Construction materials and specification
- Design of building structures
- Statutory control of buildings
- Architectural technology: graded unit
Course Qualification
Degree Module: Architectural Studio 1 – SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
Entry Requirements, updated on 2 September 2026
- 2 Highers at C or above, preferably in Maths, Physics, Graphic Communication, Design and Manufacture, Art and Design, Geography, English, OR
- Alternatively, NC in a construction-related subject such as NC Civil Engineering or NC Built Environment, OR
- Foundation Apprenticeship Civil Engineering
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Beauty Therapy
HNC Beauty Therapy
Available S6
Course Summary
HNC Beauty Therapy aims at developing the underpinning knowledge, research, and skills to work in beauty.
You will be taught by industry professionals with a wide range of industrial experience who will provide you with the training required to develop a career in the beauty industry and impart essential knowledge to equip you for employment.
Course Content
- Beauty therapy: applied anatomy and physiology
- Beauty therapy: face and body treatment packages
- Beauty therapy: professional salon skills
- Beauty therapy: graded unit 1
Course Qualification
HNC Beauty Therapy - SCQF level 7
Entry Requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, preferably in English or a science related subject
- Alternatively, NC Beauty Care, or SVQ3 Beauty Therapy
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis
- You will be invited to attend an interview, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the course and share your interest in the subject area. Strong communication skills and a genuine enthusiasm for the subject are essential
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Business
HNC Business
Available S6
Course Summary
The HNC Business will give you an excellent introduction to a wide range of business and management skills. You will gain a range of knowledge and understanding that is highly sought-after by employers, including: business fundamentals; marketing; economics; emerging technologies; IT; communication; accounting and management.
Course Content
- Accounting for business: an introduction
- Business fundamentals and emerging technologies
- Business: graded unit 1
- Communication: business communication
- Economic issues: an introduction
- Managing people and organisations
- Marketing: an introduction
Course Qualification
HNC Business - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
- BA (Hons) Business and Management - Year 2
Entry Requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, preferably in Accountancy, Administration, Business, Economics, English, History, Maths/Application of Maths, Modern Studies or Psychology, OR
- NC/NQ in Business, Accounting, or Administration at SCQF Level 5 or above OR
- Completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy, Financial Services, or Business Skills
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above may still be eligible for a place dependent upon their previous studies/work experience
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Civil Engineering
HNC Civil Engineering
Available S6
Course Summary
If you'd like a career in civil engineering or the built environment, this course is an excellent starting point. You’ll learn core principles of civil engineering, develop practical and technical skills, and work with modern technology and lab facilities while exploring themes like clean construction and digital innovation.
Course Content
Semester 1
- CAD 2D1
- Civil engineering: contract and project management a
- Mathematics for construction
- Structural mechanics
- Civil engineering specialisms
- Civil engineering technology
- Construction technical communication skills
- Construction technology: substructure
Semester 2
- CAD for civil engineers
- Civil engineering: graded unit 1
- Civil engineering: materials and testing
- Construction site surveying a
- Construction site surveying b
- Geotechnics A
- Maths for civil engineering
- Civil Engineering graded unit
Course Qualification
HNC Civil Engineering - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
Entry Requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above in Maths OR a Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering, OR
- NC Civil Engineering or the completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship Civil Engineering
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Computing
HNC Computing
Available S6
Course Summary
This HNC Computing will provide you with useful foundations for a successful career in computing and technology.
It is a broad-based course which will introduce you to, and develop your knowledge of aspects of software development, technical support, networking and web development.
Course Content
- Computer systems and network fundamentals
- Developing client and server sided websites
- Developing mobile applications
- Professionalism and ethics in computing
- Programming languages and programming paradigms
- Team working in computing
- Troubleshooting computing problems
Course Qualification
HNC Computing - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
Entry Requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, preferably in computing related disciplines, OR
- Any National Certificate or National Qualification programme at SCQF 5 and 6, preferably in a computing related discipline, OR
- Foundation Apprenticeship ICT: Software Development or Foundation Apprenticeship ICT: Hardware/System Support
- You may be required to attend an interview
- Applicants without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Contemporary Art Practice
HNC Contemporary Art Practice
Available S6
Course Summary
Explore a variety of media, processes, and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, film and photography. Develop your personal work and projects, with modules in portfolio-building and personal development planning. This course forms the first two years of our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Practices.
Course Content
- Developmental drawing
- Contemporary art: two-dimensional practice
- Contemporary art: three-dimensional practice
- Contemporary art practice: printmaking and producing print
- Contemporary art: theory & context 1
- Contemporary art practice: graded unit 1
Course Qualification
HNC Contemporary Art Practice - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
Entry Requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, OR
- NC Art and Design OR
- Foundation Apprenticeship Creative and Digital Media
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply
- We will consider individual competence in art, design or lens-based skills, evidenced by a portfolio of your work, and you will be required to attend an interview
- This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Engineering Systems
HNC Engineering Systems
Available S6
Course Summary
The HNC Engineering Systems will give you the required technical training to be a technician in design, research, development and service support activities in engineering, manufacturing and consultancy.
Course Content
- Engineering systems
- Engineering systems practical skills
- Engineering systems principles
- Mathematics tools for engineering
- Professional practice in engineering
- Engineering principles
Course Qualification
HNC Engineering Systems - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
Entry Requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above in Maths or Physics PLUS 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above in English or Modern Studies
- Please note that Higher Application of Maths is not valid for entry into this course
- Alternatively, a National Certificate in Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications and/or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Physical Activity and Health
HNC Physical Activity and Health
Available S6
Course Summary
If you have a passion for health and fitness and would like to teach others the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, the HNC Physical Activity and Health will give you the appropriate skills and training to work in a range of roles within the health and fitness industry. The course will introduce you to the fundamental principles of training and science; the interdisciplinary nature of fitness and exercise; and how to involve individuals in their own fitness and health.
Course Content
- Exercise and fitness: health and safety management
- Exercise physiology and anatomy
- Exercise principles and programming
- First aid for sport and fitness
- Health screening
- Nutrition for fitness, health and exercise
- Working safely and effectively with clients
- Fitness, health and exercise: graded unit 1
Course Qualification
HNC Physical Activity and Health - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
- HND HNC Physical Activity and Health (2027)
Entry Requirements
- 2 Scottish Higher at grade C or above. preferably in English, PE or a science, OR
- Academic achievement at SCQF level 6 in an industry relevant PDA/NPA, or successful progression from a relevant full-time sport course
- This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
Offer Expectations
Applicants will be invited for an informal interview and information session, before being offered a place on the course.
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Social Science
HNC Social Science
Available S6
Course Summary
This course is designed to help you see the world differently. We are all exposed to so much information in our daily lives that it can be difficult to assess what is real and what is ‘fake’: HNC Social Sciences is the perfect course for students who want to develop the skills to search for the truth.
You will be supported to develop your critical thinking and your complex problem solving abilities by looking for creative solutions to social, political and psychological problems. You will learn how topics cross over between all of your subjects, for example, the concept of power – you will explore this from a socio-political perspective but also an historical, criminological and psychological perspective; similarly, the concept of conformity and how this weaves into our everyday social, political and psychological behaviours.
Course Content
- Social sciences: research and methodology
- Social sciences: graded unit 1
- Psychology A: history and development of psychology
- Sociology A: introducing sociological concepts and theories
- Sociology B: application and analysis of sociological theory to sociological topics
Course Qualification
HNC Social Science - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
Entry Requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, from the following subjects: English, History, Modern Studies, Politics, Sociology, Psychology, Geography or Higher ESOL
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply
- This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), 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
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Soft Tissue Therapy
HNC Soft Tissue Therapy
Available S6
Course Summary
The HNC Soft Tissue Therapy has been designed for those who want to perform hands-on treatments with people who participate in sport. The treatment could be designed to help an athlete optimise their performance, or help aid recovery from injury that has been diagnosed by an appropriate medical professional.
Achievement of the award will allow you to work with any athlete from recreational through to elite level performers. It will also allow you to work within a sports medicine team, beside other professionals, such as: sports medicine doctors; physiotherapists; general, strength and conditioning coaches and nutritionists; or independently in a clinic-type environment.
Course Content
- Clinical and Team Experience 1
- Clinical Sports Massage
- First Aid for Sports and Fitness
- Flexibility Training
- Functional Anatomy
- Pathology and Aetiology of sports Injury
- Prevention and Management of sports injury
- Research Investigation
- Sports Massage for events
- Sports Therapy Anatomy and Physiology
- Exercise Principles and Testing
- Sports Therapy Professional Standards
- Sports Therapy Graded Unit
Course Qualification
HNC Soft Tissue - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
Entry Requirements
- 2 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, preferably including English. Maths, Science, PE or related subject, OR
- National Qualification at SCQF level 6, S/NVQ level 3, or equivalent, in an appropriate subject area eg health or sport
- This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Sports Coaching and Development
HNC Sports Coaching and Development
Available S6
Course Summary
This course blends theory with hands-on practice to prepare you for coaching both indoor and outdoor sports. Whether you’re already in the industry or ready to launch your career, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to inspire athletes and make an impact in the world of sport.
Course Content
- Human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics in sport
- Sports coaching and development: developing professional practice
- Sports coaching and development: graded unit 1
- Sports coaching practitioner: knowing coaching
- Sports coaching practitioner: knowing others
- Sports coaching practitioner: knowing yourself
- Sports development 1
Course Qualification
HNC Sports Coaching and Development - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
- HND Sports Coaching and Development
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness
Entry Requirements
- 2 Scottish Higher at grade C or above. preferably including, English plus a Science or Maths, OR
- A relevant sports-related NC or NQ at SCQF level 6 or above
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis
- Candidates require a good performance background in a variety of sporting activities. Experience in coaching, while desirable, is not essential, although the potential to develop this competence must be evident. A keen interest in sport is a requirement for this award
- This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
HNC Visual Communication
HNC Visual Communication
Available S6
Course Summary
Looking to combine your love of design with your interests in technology and communication? Join our dynamic and contemporary programmes, using state-of-the-art software and printmaking facilities to explore creative tools and techniques relevant to graphic design, photography, moving image, and illustration.
Course Content
- Visual Communication: An introduction
- Printmaking and Producing Print
- Typography
- Digital Media Skills
- Digital Media Production
- Illustration
Course Qualification
HNC Visual Communication - SCQF level 7
Progression
On completion of this course you may progress onto:
- HND Visual Communication
Entry Requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above OR Individual competence in art, design or lens-based skills evidenced by a portfolio of work will be considered
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Duration
1 Year
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary, but you’ll generally be on campus three days a week. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
Highland Pathway to Healthcare: Medicine and Pharmacy
Highland Pathway to Healthcare: Medicine and Pharmacy
Available to: S5 pupils starting S6 in August 2027, or current S6 pupils leaving school in June 2027.
Course Summary
Open to S6 pupils, the Highland Pathway to Healthcare 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.
Course Content
HNC Applied Science modules with additional degree level modules, including: Development of Study/Meta Skills and 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.
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:
- BSc Oral Health Science
- BSc (Hons) Environmental Science - Year 2
- BSc (Hons) Geography - Year 2
- BSc (Hons) Forestry and Treescape Management - Year 2
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
All pupils must liaise with their guidance teacher when making an application to this course.
The applicant will also be interviewed, have a PVG and Occupational Health check.
Location
UHI Inverness, Main Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Face-to-face
Duration
1 Year (August to April)
Day/time
Your start times and days may vary. Full details will be emailed out during the summer.
