Physics Higher
What is special about this course?
Through learning about physics, you will develop an interest in and understanding of the material world. You will engage in a wide range of investigative tasks, which will allow you to develop important skills to become creative, inventive and enterprising, in a world where the skills and knowledge developed by physics are needed across all sectors of society.
If you are considering a career in engineering, marine or construction sectors this might be for the course for you.
Entry requirements
Ideally you should have achieved a pass in Physics at National 5 or Intermediate 2.
You will attend an interview.
The units covered in the course are:
Our dynamic Universe
- motion — equations and graphs
- forces, energy and power
- collisions, explosions, and impulse
- gravitation
- special relativity
- the expanding Universe
Particles and waves
- forces on charged particles
- the Standard Model
- nuclear reactions
- inverse square law
- wave-particle duality
- interference
- spectra
- refraction of light
Electricity
- monitoring and measuring AC
- current, potential difference, power, and resistance
- electrical sources and internal resistance
- capacitors
- semiconductors and p-n junctions
Equipment
Internet connection and a suitable device with headphones, microphone and camera (minimum spec) is required. Please email us if you have any concerns about connectivity or equipment.
How will I study my course?
- Part Time
- Evening
- Online
Each week will comprise of scheduled, connected learning time and flexible learning time. You need to commit to both, but you can choose when to complete flexible learning to fit around work, caring and personal commitments. Some flexible learning must be done on a weekly basis.
Connected learning is when you learn together with lecturers, students and others. Connected learning happens at a scheduled time in a practical workshop, an online-classroom, a studio, a specialist classroom, the workplace or in the outdoors.
Flexible learning covers lecturer directed learning and self-directed learning
Lecturer-directed learning is weekly learning activity, for example:
- posting your idea in a discussion forum,
- completing a quiz,
- practising a task, activity or idea
- watching a video or reading,
- discussing and working on a solution with another student,
- researching and gathering information,
- completing an assignment or project-based task.
Self-directed learning is your decision about further study and focus. We encourage you to take ownership of your learning and areas of interest. You can ask us to help you to determine areas for further development.
Your connected learning will take place in an online-classroom. This will include a combination of video conferencing, interactive chat and sharing of presentation slides and other visuals. Online-classrooms provide you with real time interaction, contact and discussion with your lecturer and fellow students. We have ten college centres and there may be an option to study some of the time from your local centre.
How long will my course last?
34 WeeksThis course will run in all our college centres on Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm.
Attendance on two Saturdays is also required.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through class coursework and a final external SQA exam in April/May.
Where can I study my course?
- From anywhere with an internet connection including your local college centre
Please note, UHI West Highland will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study.
Start date
September
Fees
| Scottish Fee | RUK* Fee | International Fee |
|---|---|---|
| £360.00 | £1200.00 | £1200.00 |
Funding
A Fee Waiver or funding of up to £200 could be available to help with payment of course fees, depending on your personal circumstances.
This support will be available for people who are 16 or over, living in Scotland and either in low paid work or actively seeking work. To be eligible, you must have income of £22,000 a year or less, or be on certain benefits.
You will also not be undertaking any secondary, further or higher education, SDS funded training or participating on the Community Jobs Scotland programme.
Please contact your local college centre for more information about eligibility, or call us on 01397 874000.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On successful completion of this course students could follow a number of different paths.
Along with other relevant qualification, may allow entry to several college or university courses. Physics is the basis of engineering and is a key science subject. The knowledge gained in this Higher will help support you in furthering your aims towards medicine, pharmacy or any higher studies involving biology or chemistry.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Higher Physics
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI West Highland. Please note, UHI West Highland will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study. UHI West Highland operates 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 age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.