Course Types
At UHI Perth, we offer courses at various levels to suit your needs. We offer university validated degree through the University of the Highlands and Islands as well as a range of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) approved academic and vocational qualifications. Read more below to find out what level of study will suit you.
School Leavers
If you’re leaving school and wanting to improve your chances of finding the right job, then our National Training Programmes could be just what you’re looking for. Delivered in partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS), these full-time programmes provide an excellent way to get into full-time training or work.
Ready 2 Work gives school leavers aged 16-24 a range of really useful skills which should improve their chances of getting the job they want. We also have a version of the course that aims to help you find work in automotive engineering.
Modern Apprenticeships allow those aged 16 or over to gain a qualification while in work so they can earn while they learn. Subjects available include customer care, automotive engineering, engineering and hairdressing.
National Certificates (NC) and National Qualifications (NQ)
SCQF Level 2 - 6
SQA National Certificates and Qualifications are non-advanced qualifications that are available at a range of levels:
Access - Access courses are entry routes into higher education (HE) and are designed to help people develop the necessary confidence and knowledge required to progress onto a degree or diploma course.
Higher and Advanced Higher - You can study by attending college for a day or night class, or distance learning. We also have a wide range of other Higher qualifications available if you do not wish to study full-time.
NQ's are made up of courses and units which fit together to provide you with a balanced programme of study. You will normally be assessed throughout the College's academic year of two semesters.
While enrolled on an NC or NQ course, you will also study five Core Skills which can help you get the essential skills required for the job market.
Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Higher National Diplomas (HND)
SCQF Level 7 and 8
Our HNC and HND programmes are recognised by employers for the vocational value and have the added benefit of opportunities to progress directly into second or third year of a University course, or you have the chance to graduate at the end of your chosen course.
HNC - Generally equivalent to the first year of a degree, consist of 12 - 15 credits and usually take one year full-time to complete.
HND - Generally equivalent to the second year of a degree, consists of 30 credits and usually take two years full-time to complete.
How HN courses work
How HN courses work
Higher National qualifications often form the first part of a degree so that you can study in stages that suit you.
- HNC is SCQF Level 7: You can usually apply with 1 Higher or based on your experience, check the entry requirements on the course you're interested in
- HND is SCQF Level 8: This is usually studied after an HNC, it will expand and deepen the knowledge and skills you have in the subject
HN qualifications can help keep your options open to enter courses in a relevant subject, for example: you might progress from HNC Social Services to a degree course like BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology.
Whether you choose to study part-time (1 day per week) or full-time (3 days per week), there are lots of paths you can take to reach a career that you love, and HNC and HND courses can help you get there.
HNs are awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), and are recognised vocational-based higher education qualifications.
Flexibility and support while you study
Flexibility and support while you study
- We offer part-time (1 day per week) and full-time (3 days per week) options
- A mix of scheduled classes and personal study allows you to fit learning in with your commitments
- We offer tailored learning support with our smaller class sizes
How will I pay for my course?
How will I pay for my course?
Most students don't have to pay for the cost of their course if studying an HNC or HND for the first time. Our Student Funding Team can help you with general funding advice, as well as providing assistance with funding applications.
The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) has different funding options for full-time study and part-time study so check your eligibility. You must still apply to SAAS to get your tuition fees paid even if you are not applying for any other type of support.
How will I study?
How will I study?
Our full-time and part-time HN courses are made up of weekly timetabled learning, usually with your lecturer in your class group, and flexible personal study, which you can fit in around your other commitments.
Some of our HNCs and HNDs can be studied online or on campus. Find out about campus facilities available.
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Degrees
SCQF Level 7 - 11
Bachelors, Masters and Postgraduate degrees are available at UHI Perth in a range of subjects. You can enrol directly on to a degree course, or progress to them through NQ, HNC and HND courses in the relevant subjects.
Degrees can be studied through a range of flexible learning options, such as full-time, part-time and distance or online learning.
Industry and Vocational Qualifications
We have a strong reputation for delivering a host of industry-led qualifications, from Professional Cookery and Hairdressing, to Motor Vehicle Engineering and the Chartered Management Institute.
You can earn these qualifications through time split between attending College and your place of work. Vocational qualifications are based on evidence of the way you do your job and are designed to help in your career while encouraging you to go on to further learning.
Standards are set by industry training organisations and other awarding bodies appointed by the Government. They range from foundation training to senior management development. We also offer qualifications from other UK awarding bodies to meet the needs of individuals, employers and organisations.