Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA (Hons)
Course code VL52
What is special about this course?
This multidisciplinary programme offers the unique opportunity to study three of the most important realities impacting people’s lives. The comprehensive programme aims to analyse core features within each area.
Economics: You will examine how economic agents (individuals, households, and businesses) and markets behave and interact, and are influenced by economical features such as inflation, economic growth and unemployment, and monetary and fiscal policy.
Politics: You will examine how politics shapes our lives and how it is organised differently around the world. You will explore the various forms of governance operating in clans, modern local and national governments, institutions, sovereign states, and at international level.
Philosophy: Philosophy seeks to understand and critically question ideas concerning the nature of reality, values, and experiences, that play a pervasive role in understanding the world and ourselves. Problematic concepts, such as existence, reason, truth, etc, will be studied as they are important realities in every sphere of human experience. Other concepts belong to areas of thought and practice, such as art and politics: in this programme, you will explore these ideas and concepts and how they influence society.
Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.
Special features
- You will have the opportunity to explore and understand key themes within the three disciplines and will be encouraged to debate, discuss, and critically think about issues in life and society
- You will gain skills that will enable you to pursue careers in various fields including: economics; local and national government; civil and diplomatic services; teaching; journalism; and banking
Entry requirements
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- At least two should be from the list of relevant academic subjects
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
- 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
Advanced entry to year two:
- HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7, which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit will be considered for direct entry to year two
Access routes
SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.
Year 1 - CertHE
Core modules are:
Philosophy
- Problems in philosophy (S1)
- Thinking and writing for study, work and life (S1)
Politics
- Ideas and ideologies in politics (S1)
- The evolving politics of the British Isles (S2)
Economics
- Economics for business (S1)
- Exploring economics in a changing world (S2)
Year 2 - DipHE
Core modules are:
Philosophy
- Knowledge: a philosophical analysis (S1)
- Moral philosophy (S2)
Politics
- History of political ideas (S1)
- Comparative political systems (S2)
Economics
- Approaches to economic development (S1)
- Contemporary marketing (S2)
Year 3 - BA
Modules may include:
Philosophy
- Philosophy of religion (S1)
- Continental philosophy (S2)
- Philosophy of science (S2)
Politics
- Challenging liberal democracy: political ideas in a changing world (S1)
- Wars of the 'Promised Land' (S1)
- European politics (S2)
- Devolution, federalism and territorial politics module (S2)
Economics
- Globalisation and sustainable development (S1)
- Community-based economic development (S2)
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
Modules may include:
Philosophy
- Scottish tradition in philosophy (S1)
- Neurons, brains, and minds: a philosophical analysis (S2)
Politics
- Geopolitics: territory, security and strategy (S1)
- Political theory (S2)
- Terrorism and unconventional warfare (S2)
Economics
- Geo-political development issues (S1)
- The consumerist society (S2)
You must also complete a dissertation (40 credits) (S1 and S2)
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- You will learn through a combination of scheduled video conference lectures and tutorials, and online study via the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors. There is normally a weekly two-hour timetabled video conference lecture for each module.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years
- Part-time: 8 years
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll
- HTC - you may choose to study at Dingwall or Paisley, subject to availability
- Inverness
- Moray
- North, West and Hebrides
- Orkney
- Perth
- Shetland
- This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the world
- Students based near to one of the listed campuses should apply to, and be enrolled and supported by, their local campus
- All other students should apply to, and will be enrolled and supported by, Highland Theological College (HTC)
Start date
- September
Fees
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.
| Degrees | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
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 studying this course full time, the following fees apply:
| Full-time | Level | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.
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.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £3,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship | 2025-26 Full-time |
With scholarship |
| Year 1 | CertHE | £14,988 | £11,988 | £15,870 | £12,870 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £14,988 | £11,988 | £15,870 | £12,870 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £14,988 | £11,988 | £15,870 | £12,870 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £14,988 | Free | £15,870 | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £14,988 | £15,870 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £7,494 | £7,935 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,498 | £2,645 |
Part-time study is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
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.
What can I do on completion of my course?
The BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics is an interdisciplinary programme allowing graduates to pursue a career in economics; business; public services, including the civil and diplomatic services and local government; or to undertake further study in areas such as law, journalism, social work or education.
Can I progress into further study?
You may wish to progress from BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics to the following courses:
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.