Sociology and Theology BA (Hons)

What is special about this course?

If you are interested in studying society and theology, then the BA (Hons) Sociology and Theology degree will give you a solid grounding in both disciplines, as well as the opportunity to combine two subjects which complement your interests or career goals. 

The course offers you the opportunity to study a wide range of themes and topics, across a broad sweep of modules, emphasising the value of empirical and theoretical approaches. This is achieved by studying the development, structure, and functioning of human society, as well as the impact of the main disciplines of Christian theology. 

In the first and second years, you will follow a traditional broad approach to the study of sociology and theology. In years three and four, you will examine, in-depth, particular areas of sociology and theology, allowing you to study specific topics and themes which reflect staff research specialisms. Each year, you will build on your analytical and research abilities.  

The degree also offers the opportunity to study other Humanities subjects such as criminology, history, literature, archaeology, and politics.

Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.

Special features

• You will develop your research and methodological skills, which you can take with you into your future career
• You can specialise in particular disciplines as you progress through your studies
• You will have the opportunity to attend the annual staff/student Social Sciences conference, and in your 4th year, you will have the opportunity to present at the conference, further enhancing the graduate skills you develop as part of the course
• You will develop and enhance your digital skills 
• Taught by highly experienced academics
• Exciting modules, based on staff research, are offered at upper levels
• The joint nature of the degree will give you greater flexibility in employment, advanced study and research opportunities
• You can study full time or part time to suit your personal circumstances
• You can study individual modules for personal or professional development

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

Entry to year one:

• 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or
• 2 A levels at grade BC or above
• At least two should be from the list of relevant academic subjects
• Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
• This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage

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

• Any recognised Access to HE course, such as Access to Christian Theology or Access to Humanities
• Other relevant access courses will also be considered on an individual basis

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules: 

Sociology 

• Understanding the social world (S1)
• Making social lives (S2)

Theology 

• Introduction to systematic theology OR Jesus and the Gospels (S1)
• The Pentateuch OR Protestant reformation (S2)

You will also choose two option modules from our range of humanities subjects.  

Year 2 - DipHE

The core modules are: 

Sociology 

• Sociological theory (S1)
• Belief, culture and communities (S2)

Theology

• Early church history OR Old testament prophecy (S1)
• Person and work of Christ OR Pauline theology (S2)

You will also choose two option modules from our range of humanities subjects.

Year 3 - BA

You will study the following core modules: 

• Advanced social research OR Project (theological studies) (S1)

Sociology 

• Work and society (S1)
• Sociology: contemporary Scottish issues OR Frontiers, landscapes and journeys (S2)

Theology

• Hebrews OR Scottish church history (S1)
• Wisdom literature OR Doctrine of God (S2)

You will also choose one option module from our range of humanities subjects.

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

You will complete a dissertation in sociology or theology. You will also study one option module from your chosen dissertation subject plus three option modules from the other subject. 

Sociology 

• Network society: mass media and the information age (S1)
• Insiders and outsiders in society (S2)
• Our digital future: society (S2)

Theology

Modules may include: 

• Guided reading (S1 or S2)
• Luke-Acts (S1)
• Hermeneutics (S1)
• The Holy Spirit and the word (S1)
• Christian ethics (S2)
• Medieval church history (S2)
• Exploring Psalms (S2)

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.

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 studying this course full time, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes.  Students will get an automatic scholarship of £3,000 per annum and the 4^th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Part-time study is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU 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.