Course Types

At UHI Perth, we offer courses at various levels to suit your needs. We offer university validated degree through the University of the Highlands and Islands as well as a range of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) approved academic and vocational qualifications. Read more below to find out what level of study will suit you.

School Leavers

If you’re leaving school and wanting to improve your chances of finding the right job, then our National Training Programmes could be just what you’re looking for. Delivered in partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS), these full-time programmes provide an excellent way to get into full-time training or work.

Ready 2 Work gives school leavers aged 16-24 a range of really useful skills which should improve their chances of getting the job they want. We also have a version of the course that aims to help you find work in automotive engineering.

Modern Apprenticeships allow those aged 16 or over to gain a qualification while in work so they can earn while they learn. Subjects available include customer care, automotive engineering, engineering and hairdressing.

National Certificates (NC) and National Qualifications (NQ)

SCQF Level 2 - 6

SQA National Certificates and Qualifications are non-advanced qualifications that are available at a range of levels:

Access - Access courses are entry routes into higher education (HE) and are designed to help people develop the necessary confidence and knowledge required to progress onto a degree or diploma course.

Higher and Advanced Higher - You can study by attending college for a day or night class, or distance learning. We also have a wide range of other Higher qualifications available if you do not wish to study full-time.

NQ's are made up of courses and units which fit together to provide you with a balanced programme of study. You will normally be assessed throughout the College's academic year of two semesters.

While enrolled on an NC or NQ course, you will also study five Core Skills which can help you get the essential skills required for the job market.

Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Higher National Diplomas (HND)

SCQF Level 7 and 8

Our HNC and HND programmes are recognised by employers for the vocational value and have the added benefit of opportunities to progress directly into second or third year of a University course, or you have the chance to graduate at the end of your chosen course.

HNC - Generally equivalent to the first year of a degree, consist of 12 - 15 credits and usually take one year full-time to complete.

HND - Generally equivalent to the second year of a degree, consists of 30 credits and usually take two years full-time to complete.

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Degrees

SCQF Level 7 - 11

Bachelors, Masters and Postgraduate degrees are available at Perth College UHI in a range of subjects. You can enroll directly on to a degree course, or progress to them through NQ, HNC and HND courses in the relevant subjects.

Degrees can be studied through a range of flexible learning options, such as full-time, part-time and distance or online learning.

Industry and Vocational Qualifications

We have a strong reputation for delivering a host of industry-led qualifications, from Professional Cookery and Hairdressing, to Motor Vehicle Engineering and the Chartered Management Institute.

You can earn these qualifications through time split between attending College and your place of work. Vocational qualifications are based on evidence of the way you do your job and are designed to help in your career while encouraging you to go on to further learning.

Standards are set by industry training organisations and other awarding bodies appointed by the Government. They range from foundation training to senior management development. We also offer qualifications from other UK awarding bodies to meet the needs of individuals, employers and organisations.