Literature BA (Hons)
Course code Q320
What is special about this course?
If you are passionate about reading, thinking and writing and would like to turn this interest into a career, the BA (Hons) Literature is ideal for you.
You will explore literature in a global context, looking in depth at language and literary history within texts and on the international literary stage.
Our modules cover a wide range of authors, in English and translation, from the classical to the contemporary. With a solid foundation in genres and periods in years one and two, and research-based modules in years three and four, you will become a confident and enthusiastic writer, researcher and reader.
We teach a range of advanced specialist modules alongside more traditional content, and you are able to combine your studies with other disciplines.
Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.
Special features
- You will study literature in an international context
- All modules in years 3 and 4 are based on staff research, and you’ll be part of a vibrant research culture from your first semester
- Modules on Gaelic literature in translation are available
- You can study full time or part time to suit your personal circumstances
- You can study individual modules for personal or professional development
Entry requirements
Entry to year one:
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- Must include English at grade C or above, plus one from the list of relevant subjects (Please note: Higher ESOL is not accepted in place of Higher English for this programme)
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
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.
Holders of other awards, qualifications, competences and knowledge that are deemed similar in level and content to those above; entry by this route will be at the discretion of the programme committee.
Year 1 - CertHE
You will study the following core modules:
Semester 1
- Theories of literature: an introduction
- Reading fiction: an introduction
Semester 2
- Reading drama: an introduction
- Reading poetry: an introduction
You will also choose two further option modules which may include:
Semester 1
- An introduction to Gaelic prose
Semester 2
- Travellers in the wilderness: literature and the theme of exile
Semesters 1 and 2
- Option modules from our range of humanities subjects
Year 2 - DipHE
Core modules are:
Semester 1
- Medieval literature: text and contexts
- An introduction to Gaelic poetry
Semester 2
- Theatrical powerplay: classical and modern tragedy
- Heroic literature: epic from classical to contemporary
You will also choose two further option modules from across our humanities subjects.
Year 3 - BA
You will study five core modules which may include:
Semester 1
- Romantic genius: Scottish and European literature 1750-1830
- Risk anything! The modernist short story
- Literary borrowings: adaptations and appropriations
Semester 2
- Imagining new worlds: renaissance literature and thought
- Nature writing and ecology
You will also choose an option module from our range of humanities subjects.
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
You will complete a literature dissertation in Semesters 1 and 2.
You will also study four core modules which may include:
Semester 1
- Avant-garde literature
- Apocalyptic fictions
Semester 2
- Metafiction: self-referential texts
- Satire: the art of attack
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- Part-time (unstructured)
- 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 @ 40 hours per week
- Part-time (structured): 8 years @ 20 hours per week
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll
- HTC
- 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, UHI North, West and Hebrides
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.
| 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 the UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time online per year (120 credit modules) | £6,120 | £6,420 |
| Part-time online (per 20 credit module) | £1,020 | £1,070 |
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK studying online from their home country, or living in the UK but assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:
This includes EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled status in the UK and EEA and Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time online per year (120 credit modules) | £6,960 | £7,080 |
| Part-time online (per 20 credit module) | £1,160 | £1,180 |
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK 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?
Once you have successfully completed your BA (Hons) Literature course, you might like to consider careers in:
- Teaching and education
- Academia
- Publishing
- Museum and archives
- Charities
- The Media
- Heritage sector
- Creative arts
- Marketing and PR
- Government
- Writer
- Research
The highly developed critical, analytical and communication skills you will acquire through your studies will make you a strong candidate for a wide variety of careers.
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress from the BA (Hons) Literature to
- MLitt Highlands and Islands Literature
- MLitt British Studies
- MRes Eco-literature
- MRes Science fiction and fantasy
- MRes Renaissance drama
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
-Literature-and-Theology.png "Jennifer Mewes")
UHI is the only university to offer a joint honours degree in both theology and literature. My tutors have been supportive and helpful, they really encourage independent, informed thinking. I think my studies will equip me with the knowledge and experience I need to develop as a writer, as well as provide helpful contacts. I’ve also been impressed by the support provided for lectures online; I’ve done online courses before, but the support at UHI is by far the best.
Jennifer is studying BA (Hons) Literature and Theology at HTC, a UHI partner.
Apply for Literature 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.