Archaeology and Local Studies (SCQF Level 7) CPD Award

Course code V9ALS

What is special about this course?

Are you fascinated by archaeological sites and landcapes in the Highlands and Islands? Maybe you're keen to know more about a site in your local area?

Explore key archaeological periods in the Highlands and Islands while learning how to start your own desk-based, archaeological research journey, on our CPD Archaeology and Local Studies (SCQF level 7).

Learn online or on-campus with study options to suit your circumstances. If you choose to join us on-campus, you'll be based at Cnoc Soilleir in South Uist, Outer Hebrides. Our campus is rooted in the landscape and culture of South Uist, with bespoke facilities, and only a short walk away from internationally significant archaeological sites. The Outer Hebrides boasts spectacular archaeological landscapes with well preserved sites, spanning earliest prehistory to the early modern period, from prehistoric ceremonial monuments to well preserved historic agricultural landscapes.

Whether you're looking to explore your interest in your spare time or thinking of developing it further by pursuing a degree with our Archaeology Institute, join our 12-week course to gain the knowledge and resources that will help you figure it out, as you learn more about the archaeology of the Highlands and Islands, and get a taste of what it's like to be a student at UHI.

Special features

  • Available online or in-person
  • Learn from expert archaeology staff based at Cnoc Soilleir, who work as part of the wider UHI Archaeology Institute team
  • UHI Archaeology Institute is a world-class teaching and research organisation dedicated to advancing our understanding of the historic environment through the creation, interpretation, and dissemination of archaeological knowledge
  • Our Uist staff are specialists in  Hebridean prehistory, landscape and island archaeology, and digital heritage

Entry requirements

  • No formal qualifications are required, although it’s recommended that you are able to work at SCQF level 6 or above
     

CPD Award

You will cover the following themes in this module:

  • General introduction to the study of archaeology
  • Archaeological periods in the Highlands and Islands
  • Archaeology and documentary sources
  • Completion of a final assessed project on an archaeological site or landscape of your choosing

How will I study my course?

  • Part-time
  • This course can be studied fully online, with scheduled sessions and tutorials
  • There is also the option to study in-person, on campus, at at Cnoc Soilleir, South Uist where the course leader is based, with additional online elements
  • Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
  • Lectures take place every Monday, from 3-5pm
  • The course comprises a mixture of 2-hour live tutorials plus online tasks
  • You will be expected to prepare and present a project based on your classes and your own research, with support from the tutor, which will be assessed for the final mark
  • Teaching material, links and readings will be made available through the UHI virtual learning network

How long will my course last?

  • Part-time: 12 weeks @ approx. 16-18 hours per week

The number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent on online material as well as individual study and research.

Where can I study my course?

  • North, West and Hebrides
  • This course can be studied fully online from anywhere in the world. You will be enrolled and supported by staff at UHI North West and Hebrides, as well as members of our Archaeology team, based at Cnoc Soilleir, South Uist

Start date

  • September
  • January

Fees

For information on costs of this course please contact the campus where you wish to study.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:

  • Archaeology
  • Heritage
  • Museums

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Archaeology and Local Studies (SCQF Level 7) CPD Award

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025 or Jan/Feb 2026

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.