Sociology Higher
What is special about this course?
The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth study of the distinct features of the sociological approach to understanding and explaining human social behaviour. It is intended to establish the major theoretical principles upon which sociology rests and to develop a knowledge and understanding of the way in which evidence is produced when sociological research is being carried out.
The aim of Higher Sociology is to develop a knowledge and understanding of sociological concepts, theories and methods and their distinctive approach to the analysis and explanation of substantive areas of society, such as social class, education, the family, crime and deviance, welfare and poverty and the mass media. It will promote the ability to analyse and evaluate sociological arguments, evidence and research methods in a critical way.
Entry requirements
You should have English at National 4/5.
The course consists of three areas of study:
Human society
You will develop an understanding of the sociological approach to studying human societies.
Culture and identity
You will develop the ability to use sociological concepts, theories and research to investigate features of culture and identity in a changing social world.
Social issues
You will develop the ability to evaluate and apply sociological theories and to use research evidence to develop sociological understanding of contemporary social issues.
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. This will depend on social distancing limitations.
How long will my course last?
1 Academic YearWhere 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?
After this course, there are a number of other further and higher education courses you can study. Ask us for more information.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Higher Sociology
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.