Accounting (Inverness) HNC
Course code 404N
What is special about this course?
Are you detail-oriented with a keen interest in numbers and problem-solving? Would you like to develop a skill set that is essential to every business and industry?
Take a forward-thinking approach to your career on this innovative HNC Accounting program, developed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with input from key members of our course team. Empower yourself with essential financial and management accounting skills while integrating vital meta-skills such as self-management, social intelligence, and innovation, competencies that are crucial for success in today’s dynamic work environment.
Benefit from the streamlined structure of this ground-breaking course, which increases the size of units while decreasing the amount, reducing the frequency of assessments and enabling you to focus on deepening your comprehension of the material. Delivered using fresh and exciting new methods that reflect real-life settings and situations, cultivate important technical knowledge alongside the adaptability and critical thinking skills required to thrive in fast-paced business settings.
Prepare for a variety of accounting roles while establishing a solid foundation for ongoing academic and professional development in your field, opening up countless opportunities for personal and career growth while gaining the tools necessary to fulfil your immediate and long-term ambitions.
Special features
- Face to face delivery
- Larger units, fewer in quantity, enabling better focus
- Access to support from experienced lecturers
- Online access to all learning and teaching materials
- Engagement with local employers
- Visits to local accounting offices
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, OR
- 1 A Level at grade D or above
- For each of the above these must include English or Maths or equivalent, such as Business related subjects, or Social and Science based subjects
Alternatively:
- Relevant National Qualifications Group Award at SCQF level 6 or above OR
- Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy, Business Skills, or Financial Services
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis
Year 1 - HNC
You will study the following modules:
- Economics: an introduction (1 credit)
- Financial accounting principles (4 credits)
- Law for business: an introduction (1 credit)
- Management accounting principles (4 credits)
- Personal taxation (2 credits)
- Professional considerations in accounting (3 credits)
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- You will study in-person, on campus
- Any online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will take part in a mandatory in-person induction in Inverness in the August before your course starts
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year @ 20 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?
- Inverness
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.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
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, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,110 | £7,440 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £8,775 | £8,925 |
Funding
External scholarships and financial support may be available. Contact the relevant UHI partner college for more information.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:
- Accounting
- Finance
Can I progress into further study?
You may wish to progress from HNC Accounting (Inverness) to the following courses:
- HND Accounting (year 2)
- Graduate Apprenticeship in Accounting (Year 2)
- Further accounting/finance specific professional qualifications
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Accounting (Inverness) HNC
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.