Kinlochleven High School

Our Senior Phase courses give you access to a wide range of subjects, helping you build skills, confidence, and employability while still at school. With a mix of on-campus and online learning, taught by industry-experienced lecturers, you’ll experience college and university learning and get a head start on your future.

Want to know what studying through Senior Phase is really like? Read our student stories.

Applications for senior phase courses are now closed and will reopen in January 2027.

If you have any questions about our courses, our Schools Team is here to help.

Explore our courses

Face-to-face: Delivered in college or school

Supported Learning SCQF 1 - 2

Duration: One academic year
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides, Thurso or Fort William
When: Various - to be discussed with Supported Learning team

Our Supported Learning programme provides a supportive, general introduction to continued education. The course is for those who may need support to build their skills and confidence to become a more independent learner within a college environment. The course might suit you if you have experienced challenges or barriers to learning or if you have received additional support with your education (or feel a more supported environment in college would benefit you).

Course content

You will participate in:

Relevant projects your lecturer has chosen to study this academic year
Developing personal and inter-personal skills
Saltire award opportunities&
Community visits

Entry requirements

Pupils are expected to be able to learn and engage within a group environment.

What next

Direct enrolment onto our Supported Learning course

APPLY

SfW Practical Experiences - Construction & Engineering SCQF 3

Duration: One academic year
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides, Fort William
When: Wednesday 0900 - 1530

This course introduces you to construction and engineering at a beginner level. It focuses on basic tools, materials and terminology used in these industries, as well as the range of career paths they offer.

You will learn how to use basic tools and materials safely and correctly, develop an understanding of construction and engineering terms, and build confidence through practical tasks. As part of the course, you will manufacture an item using the skills you develop while working with construction and engineering materials.

Course content

The course includes three units. The first two are practical units in construction and engineering, where you will develop basic craft skills alongside generic skills such as confidence, technical communication, working with materials and measurement.

The third unit focuses on employability skills in construction and engineering. This includes maintaining a tidy workplace, following instructions and seeking advice, demonstrating health and safety awareness, and checking your own work.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

What next

You could progress from this course to National 4 courses and SCQF level 4 units in Construction or Engineering, Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Construction and Engineering areas and further education, training or employment.

This course can support progression to National 4 courses and SCQF level 4 units in construction or engineering. It may also lead on to Scottish Vocational Qualifications in construction or engineering, or further education, training or employment.

Beauty Skills Units SCQF 4

Duration: One academic year
When and Where:
- Alness Academy - Friday, 09.30am - 1.30pm
- UHI North, West and Hebrides, Fort William - Wednesday, 9.00am - 3.30pm
- UHI North, West and Hebrides, Portree - Wednesday, 10.00am - 2.30pm

This course provides candidates with an introduction to a selection of essential beauty treatment techniques, focusing particularly on facial skin care, make-up, and nail skills. A great way to start your training into the beauty industry and allows progression onto further beauty training on completion of this course.

Course content

Beauty Skills: An Introduction
Cosmetology: Make-up Artistry
Creative Nail Finishes to Hand and Foot

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements.

What next

Upon completion, you may wish to progress on to a course in this subject area.

SfW Early Education and Childcare SCQF 4

Duration: One academic year
Where and when:
- UHI North, West and Hebrides, Alness campus, Friday 9.45am - 2.15pm
- UHI North, West and Hebrides, Fort William campus, Wednesday 9.00am - 3.30pm
- UHI North, West and Hebrides, Thurso campus, Friday 9.45am - 2.15pm

National 4 Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare is an introductory qualification that will help learners to understand some of the demands and responsibilities of working in the early learning and childcare sector.

At National 4, learners cover basic topics in each area and begin to develop relevant skills such as teamwork skills and helping to plan play experiences.

Course content

You will study the following units:

Child Development
Play in Early Learning and Childcare
Working in Early Learning and Childcare
One relevant optional unit

Entry requirements

You must be working towards National 4 level, demonstrate a keen interest in working within the childcare industry and have a satisfactory reference.

What next

On completion, you can apply for the National 5 Early Learning and Childcare Programme.

APPLY

National 4 Fashion and Textiles Technology SCQF 4

Duration: One academic year
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides, Fort William campus
When: Wednesday 9.00am - 3.30pm

Are you interested in exploring the fashion and textile industry? On this course you will explore everything from researching fashion trends and design development to the production of final fashion and textile items. You will learn about different types of textiles and their characteristics, while researching fashion and textile trends and the various factors that affect fashion choice. You will learn the basics of sewing and other essential textile techniques and using these new skills, you will plan and make straightforward fashion or textile items.

Course content

You will study the following units:

Fashion and Textile Item Development
Fashion and Textile Choices
Textile Technology
Added Value Unit

Entry requirements

You should be working towards level 4 qualifications and have an interest in design and fashion.

What next

This course can support progression to further study within the Creative Industries.

APPLY

Horse Care Units SCQF 4 - 6

Duration: One academic year
Locations
- Benbecula - Thursday 1300 - 1500
- Castle View Stables - Friday 0900 - 1200
- Gairloch - Friday 0930 - 1230
- North Ballachulish - Friday 1000 - 1200

This course is designed for school pupils who enjoy working with horses and want to develop practical horse care skills alongside their school studies.

You will take part in hands on sessions at an approved equestrian centre, where you will learn about the day-to-day care of horses and how to work safely and responsibly around them. The course covers a range of horse care activities, allowing you to build skills at a level that matches your experience and ability.

This course forms part of the wider NC Horse Care qualification and gives you a realistic introduction to horse care in a working equestrian environment.

Course content

Units studied will depend on your experience, progress and the facilities available at your chosen location, but you may cover a range of topics including:

Horse identification and handling a quiet horse safely
Assist with grooming a quiet horse
Tack and tacking up
Stable routine
Horse health
Watering and feeding
Tacking up for ridden competition work
Horse care: lunging
Horse care: trimming, turnout and clipping

Entry requirements

You must demonstrate a keen interest in equestrian studies and have a satisfactory reference.

What next

This course can support progression to further study in horse care or equestrian subjects, including full-time or flexible study programmes offered by UHI. It can also help you build experience and confidence if you are considering future training, apprenticeships or work in the equine sector, depending on your wider qualifications and experience.

APPLY

NPA Professional Cookery SCQF 4

Duration: One academic year
Where and when:
UHI North, West and Hebrides, Fort William
- Wednesday 0900 - 1530
UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway
- S4: Tuesday 0900 - 1030, Wednesday 1400 - 1535
- S5/6: Monday 0940 - 1135, Tuesday 1355 - 1535, Wednesday 1045 - 1225
UHI North, West and Hebrides, Thurso
- Friday 0945 - 1415

If you enjoy cooking and want to learn more, then this course will build on your cooking skills but with new and more challenging techniques and recipes.

You will widen your knowledge of ingredients, both fresh and dry, and investigate the importance of dietary requirements, the seasonality of fresh food, healthy eating and food hygiene and the roles they play in commercial kitchens.

Course content

You will study units that introduce key skills and knowledge used in professional kitchens, including:

Cookery Processes
Food Hygiene
Food Preparation Techniques
Craft Baking
Organisation of Practical Skills

Students on this course are required to have PPE. PPE will be provided for school pupils. Home-educated young people are responsible for supplying their own PPE. This course required the following PPE includes:

Butchers apron
Skull cap

Entry requirements

You should be working at or towards SCQF level 4 and be able to demonstrate an interest in cooking and working in a kitchen environment.

What next

This course provides a strong foundation for further study in professional cookery or hospitality.

SfW Sport and Recreation SCQF 4

Duration: One academic year
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides, Fort William
When:
- Fort William: Wednesday 0900 - 1530

This course covers the main practical activities involved in carrying out a supporting role in the outdoor adventure industry. It will provide a foundation of skills and qualifications to take the first step in this exciting and expanding sector.

Weather permitting, you may have a chance to try a number of the following activities canyoning, mountain biking, canoeing, mountain walking, sea kayaking, climbing, ropes courses and raft building. You will also have the chance to achieve:

Paddle Start Award (beginner) and Paddle Discover (next level)
First Aid
John Muir Discovery Award

Course content

Assist with Activity Sessions
Dealing with Facilities and Equipment
Dealing with Accidents and Emergencies
Personal Fitness
Skills for Employment

The practical aspects of the course involve getting out on activities and possibly doing work experience with outdoor activity providers.

You will be assessed by a mixture of written and practical work and your final assessment will involve you acting as the instructor and assisting in outdoor activities.

Entry requirements

You should be working towards National 4 level, have an interest in Outdoor Activities and have a satisfactory reference.

What next

After you leave school, there is a range of full-time college courses offered by the School of Adventure Studies which progress to degree level. You could directly apply for the Certificate in Outdoor Adventure, but later you may consider other courses if you have gained the relevant entry requirements.

APPLY

SfW Early Education and Childcare SCQF 5

Duration: One academic year
Where and when:
- UHI North, West and Hebrides, Alness campus, Friday 9.45am - 2.15pm
- UHI North, West and Hebrides, Fort William campus, Wednesday 9.00am - 3.30pm
- UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway campus, Tuesday, 9.00am - 10.35am and Wednesday, 2.00pm - 3.35pm
- UHI North, West and Hebrides, Thurso campus, Friday 9.45am - 2.15pm

National 5 Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare is an introductory qualification that will help learners to understand some of the demands and responsibilities of working in the early learning and childcare sector.

Course content

You will study the following units:

Development and wellbeing of children and young people
Play in early learning and childcare
Working in early learning and childcare
One optional unit

Entry requirements

You must have obtained a National 4 pass in a literary subject and demonstrate a keen interest in working in a childcare setting and a satisfactory reference. You may also have completed the National 4 Early Learning and Childcare Award.

What next

On attainment, you can progress onto the full time National Qualification Children and Young People or study further school link subjects at Higher Level at UHI North, West and Hebrides.

APPLY

National 5 Fashion and Textiles Technology SCQF 5

Duration: One academic year
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides, Fort William campus
When: Wednesday 9.00am - 3.30pm

Are you interested in design and sewing for fashion and textiles? Is it time to develop practical skills in this area. It is suited to someone who likes to be creative and enjoys making. You may be interested in pursuing a career in fashion/textiles design/manufacture or other creative arts. You will explore fashion trends and learn a variety of textile construction techniques as you experience hands-on the design process from design to finished sewn pieces.

Course content

You will study the following units:

Fashion and Textile Item Development;
Fashion and Textile Choices;
Textile Technology

Entry requirements

Achieved National 4 in Fashion & Textile Technology. To be working towards National 5 in other subject areas at school. Some experience of sewing and an interest in fashion and design are essential.

What next

This course can support progression to further study within the Creative Industries.

APPLY

Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction SCQF 4

Duration: One academic year
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides
- Fort William - Thursday, 0900 - 1530
- Portree - Wednesday 1000 - 1430

The course includes learning with an industry focus, developing a knowledge of the construction industry and the job roles within it, and the skills required to work in construction. It also includes trades-based introductions to craft areas, including carpentry and bench joinery, painting and decorating, brickwork, plasterwork, and roof tiling. The work will be done as a project with industry, teaching you all the work-based skills you need to move into the industry, or to progress into a pre-apprenticeship course or apprenticeship programme.

Entry requirements

SCQF level 3 and above for English, Mathematics and other related technical and graphical subjects.

What next

After you complete this course, you could seek employment within a variety of construction disciplines, including:

Carpentry and Joinery
Painting and Decorating, Roofing
Bricklaying
Plastering Stonemasonry
General Construction Operations Management & Civil/Structural Engineering
You can also progress into further education and/or training in these areas.

APPLY

Online: National 4 & SCQF 4 courses

Online: National 5 & SCQF 5 courses

NPA Maritime Studies SCQF 5

Duration: One academic year
Where: Online (e-Sgoil)
When: Monday 9.40 am - 11.35 am; Wednesday 10.45 am - 12.25 pm and Friday 11.35 am - 1.15 pm

This course gives you the chance to explore the maritime industry through a practical and vocational programme alongside your school studies. It is designed for pupils who want to learn more about life and work at sea, and to help you decide whether the maritime sector could be a future career or progression route.

You will learn about the maritime environment, how vessels operate, and the roles and responsibilities involved in working safely at sea. The course gives a realistic introduction to the industry and the types of skills and knowledge it involves.

This course helps you explore maritime studies and make informed decisions about future study or work.

Course content

You will develop knowledge and understanding of the maritime industry and the nautical environment, alongside an introduction to key maritime skills.

Mandatory units focus on core areas of maritime study, including basic navigational watchkeeping, an overview of the maritime sector, and the principles behind vessel construction and stability. You will also explore ropework, anchoring and mooring, helping you understand how these skills are used on board vessels.

An optional unit allows you to develop more specialised knowledge, with a focus on health and safety and the procedures involved in securing a vessel for safe passage.

Entry requirements

You should be able to work at SCQF level 5. Applicants should have an interest in the subject and be committed to completing the course.

What next

This course can support progression to further study or training in maritime-related subjects, including locally delivered further education programmes. It may also help prepare you for entry-level opportunities or apprenticeships within the maritime or aquaculture sectors, depending on your wider qualifications and experience.

APPLY

Online: Highers & SCQF 6 courses

Online: Degree modules & SCQF 7 courses

Online Courses with UHI Inverness

If you have any questions regarding the online courses in this section, please email: schools.ic@uhi.ac.uk