The Nicolson Institute

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

NPA Aquaculture SCQF 4

Duration: One academic year
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides Stornoway campus
When: Tuesday 9.00am - 10.25am and Wednesday 2.00pm - 3.35pm

The Maritime Sector is a major employer in Scotland. One growing area is Aquaculture, and there will be a need in the years to come for a variety of roles, including Fish Farm Technicians. This introductory NPA course at SCQF 4 will develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for work in the aquaculture industry. If you have an interest in outdoor work and enjoy learning in a hands-on setting, then this course will introduce you to the fundamentals required to work in the ever-expanding aquaculture sub-sector.

Course content

Areas for study may include:

An introduction to northern european aquaculture
An introduction to local Investigation (Environmental Analysis)
An introduction to finfish (this will include the dissection of fish)
An introduction to shellfish
Basic aquaculture seamanship
Introduction to Scottish Fisheries

Each student will have the opportunity to complete a rope work course and a RYA powerboat course.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

What next

This course will provide you with a progression route from school through college to work-based learning and modern apprenticeships. You will have the basic knowledge and skills required to enter the Aquaculture sector but with the addition of a small insight into fish anatomy and a taste of environmental science and environmental monitoring.

You may also want to consider progressing to the SVQ 2 in Aquaculture and relevant locally devised courses at SCQF levels 4–6.

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NPA Built Environment SCQF 5

Duration: One academic year
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway
When: Monday 9.00am - 10.30am, Wednesday 9.00am - 10.30am, Thursday 2.00pm - 3.35pm

This course will inspire and enthuse you ready for a career in the Built Environment through project-based learning. The project design and content reflect a real-life design brief, encouraging you to consider design concepts, planning and presentation requirements whilst developing the general skills, technical knowledge and understanding and employability skills needed within the sector.

Course content

You will study a range of topics introducing you to the Construction Industry and the Principles of Building Design. You will do this through a Built Environment Design Project and learn about Sustainability and Construction Methods in the Built Environment, whilst also undertaking some 3D Modelling for the Built Environment.

Entry requirements

General and broad academic ability showing an aptitude at SCQF level 4 or above for English, Mathematics and other related Technical, Graphical and Science subjects.

What next

Following on from this course, you could move into a Modern Apprenticeship in the Technician career pathway, into further education in NC Built Environment, or take on a number of entry-level posts in the Built Environment sector.

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NPA Construction Craft and Technician SCQF 4

Duration: One academic year
Where and when:
- Invergordon Academy, Friday 8.45am - 12.25pm
- UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway campus, Tuesday 10.45am - 1.15pm
- UHI North, West and Hebrides, Thurso campus, Friday 9.45am - 2.15pm

This group award aims to offer learners the opportunity to develop a range of skills and knowledge in relation to the Construction Industry. Through completion of this award, learners will develop core skills, which will enhance their employability prospects.

The group award will give learners the technical knowledge, skills and understanding associated with a range of craft and technician skills in construction at this level.

This course is preparing students for progression onto further study and employment.

Throughout the course, you will study: Construction units at SCQF Level 4, with a wide range of units brickwork, joinery, painting & decorating and most importantly, employability skills.

Course content

Throughout the course, you will study: Construction units at SCQF Level 4, with a wide range of units Brickwork, Joinery, Painting and Decorating and most importantly, employability skills.

Brickwork – Lay bricks and blocks to line
Carpentry & Joinery - Install second fixing components.
Painting & Decorating - Apply paint systems by brush and roller
Personal Development
Understanding Industry
To achieve this award, you will be required to undertake both Practical & Theory elements for each unit, overall, the award is split: Practical 60%  and Theory 40% .

Entry requirements

Pupils will need to have achieved or be working towards a minimum National 4 in Maths and English. 

A technical subject would be advantageous, and an interest in the subject area would also be required to be demonstrated during the application.

What next

National Progression Award in Construction Skills (National 5)
Modern Apprenticeships in Construction areas
Further study, employment and/or training in Construction
Relevant programmes in further education

APPLY

SfW Hairdressing SCQF 4

Duration: One academic year
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway
When: Year 2 S4: Tuesday 0900 - 1030 & Wednesday 1400 - 1535

Skills for Work: Hairdressing is an introductory course that gives learners a taste of the skills, responsibilities, and opportunities in the hairdressing industry.

Hairdressers and barbers work with both men and women, cutting, styling, and helping to maintain healthy hair and scalp. There is steady demand for skilled hairdressers across salons of all sizes throughout Scotland, making it a career with real opportunities.

Course content

You’ll get practical experience in customer care, shampooing, conditioning, basic scalp massage, and blow‑drying. You’ll learn general salon duties and reception skills, build your understanding of health and safety, and explore current fashion trends and creative styling ideas. Throughout the course you’ll also develop key employability skills like working with others, communication, and a positive approach to learning in a salon‑style environment.

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a college interview. You should have an interest in hairdressing and be motivated to complete the course. Pupils should be capable of learning at SCQF Level 4.

What next

This course can support progression to further study in Hairdressing through full-time study at college or help you gain an apprenticeship within a salon.

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 Rural Skills SCQF 4

Duration: One academic year
Where:
- Kingussie High School
- UHI NWH Rural Studies Centre Halkirk
- UHI NWH Stornoway
When:
- Halkirk - Friday 0945 - 1415
- Kingussie - Thursday 1030 - 1530
- Stornoway - Thursday 1000 - 1215

This course is designed for school pupils who are interested in rural and land-based industries or working with animals. It offers a practical introduction to a range of activities linked to countryside, estate and animal care, while also helping you develop employability skills for future work or study.

You will take part in hands-on learning and explore different areas of the land-based sector, making this course a good starting point if you are considering progression into areas such as rural studies, equestrian work, animal care or related subjects.

Course content

You will study a range of practical topics linked to rural and land-based work, including:

Estate Maintenance - learn basic skills used to look after rural estates and outdoor environments, including safe working practices and use of tools.
Land-based Industries - explore the wide range of jobs and industries within the rural sector, helping you understand different career routes linked to land use and animal care.
Employability Skills for Land-based Industries - develop skills such as teamwork, time-keeping, communication and problem-solving through practical tasks and activities.

Depending on availability, you may also study areas such as:

Animal Husbandry - learn how to care for animals and support their health and wellbeing in a work setting.
Animal Handling - develop basic skills for handling animals safely and responsibly.
Crop Production or Soft Landscaping - gain an introduction to plant production or landscaping tasks commonly found in rural and land-based work.

Entry requirements

You should be working at or towards National 4, demonstrate an interest in working within the rural skills sector (land based or an interest in working with animals) and have a satisfactory reference.

What next

This course can help you explore whether a future in the land-based or animal-related sector is right for you. On completion, you may choose to progress to further study in areas such as rural skills, equestrian studies, animal care or other land-based subjects at school or college, depending on your interests and entry requirements. The skills and experience gained on this course can also support progression into other vocational or practical learning pathways.

APPLY

NPA Construction Skills SCQF 5

Duration: One academic year
Where and when:
- Dornoch Academy, Tuesday, 9.00am - 1.00pm
- 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 - This course is now full for applications.

This course comprises four units. The content of the course focuses on the development of basic hand skills across the disciplines of Brickwork, Bench Joinery Skills and Decorative Painting.

Central to the content are the generic employability skills valued by employers in the construction sector. These skills are developed in each of the three units and are assessed at least twice during the course.

Course content

One Brick Walling – Learners will select and use the correct tools, equipment, and materials required to manufacture an artefact. During the manufacture, learners will read simple construction drawings, measure, and mark, select appropriate materials, and work to specified tolerances. The learner will also develop and use basic construction skills of building different types of brick walls, laying mortar beds, and pointing joints.
Bench Joinery - Learners will select and use the correct tools, equipment, and materials required to manufacture an artefact. During the manufacture, learners will read simple construction drawings, measure, and mark, select appropriate materials, and work to specified tolerances. The learner will also develop and use basic construction skills of manufacturing a range of different woodworking joints, manufacturing a frame, and drawing a setting out rod.
Decorative Painting - Learners will select and use the correct tools, equipment, and materials required to manufacture an artefact. During the unit candidates will follow instruction on how to complete different types of painting techniques, measure, and mark, select appropriate materials, and work to specified tolerances. The learner will also develop and use basic construction skills of different types materials, and how to store and clean correctly.
Efficient Construction Practices – During this unit, learners will learn how to work efficiently within the construction trades, this unit's evidence is gathered through the three practical units. 
To achieve this award, you will be required to undertake both practical & theory elements for each unit, overall, the award is split: 75% practical and 25% theory.

Entry requirements

Entry is at the discretion of the centre and while no formal entry qualifications are required, it would be beneficial if learners embarking on the course demonstrated:

An interest in construction
An ability to work in numeracy and literacy at SCQF level 4
Some aptitude for graphical forms of communication
Completed a woodworking subject or National 4 Construction Skills for Work

What next

This course or its components may provide progression to:

Relevant programmes in further education colleges
Modern Apprenticeships in Construction areas
Further study, employment and/or training in Construction

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.

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NPA Maritime Studies SCQF 5

Duration: One academic year
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway
When:
- Tuesday - 1400 - 1530
- Wednesday - 1045 - 1215
- Thursday - 0900 - 1025

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 combines classroom learning with practical activities, giving you a realistic introduction to the industry and the types of skills and knowledge it involves.

This course helps you explore maritime studies in a practical way 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 practical 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 take part in practical activities such as 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

SfW Maritime Studies SCQF 5

Duration: Two academic years
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway
When: Year 2 S4: Tuesday 0900 - 1025 & Wednesday 1400 - 1535

Skills for Work: Maritime Skills is an introductory course for pupils who are interested in the maritime sector and want to explore what working in this industry might involve.

This course gives you practical experience alongside classroom learning. You will take part in hands-on activities related to working on and around boats, while also developing an understanding of safety, the marine environment and the range of roles within the maritime sector.

The course focuses on building confidence, practical skills and awareness of the industry, rather than preparing you for a specific job. It is designed to help you decide whether further study or training in a maritime subject is right for you.

Course content

You will study a range of topics that provide a broad introduction to maritime skills and working environments.

Through practical activities, you will be introduced to seamanship skills such as basic boat handling, working with ropes, wires and chains, and learning how vessels are anchored, moored and secured safely. You will also explore the use of equipment commonly found on boats and in maritime settings.

The course includes an introduction to marine navigation and helps you develop an understanding of safety, teamwork and responsibility when working on or around the water. Alongside this, you will build employability skills linked to the maritime sector and wider land and sea-based industries.

Entry requirements

You will take part in a college interview and should have an interest in maritime studies and a commitment to completing the course.

What next

This course can help prepare you for further study in maritime or marine-related subjects, including college courses, apprenticeships or training programmes linked to the sector.

It also supports the development of transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and safe working practices, which are useful across a wide range of subjects and career pathways.

APPLY

NPA Professional Cookery SCQF 5

Duration: One academic year

Where:

UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway
- S3: Tuesday 1050 - 1300
- 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 continue developing your skills, this course allows you to build confidence and consistency in professional cookery through practical learning.

You will develop a wider understanding of ingredients and food preparation methods, while exploring how professional kitchens operate. The course also introduces you to key considerations such as food hygiene, dietary needs and the role of organisation and teamwork in a working kitchen.

This course is designed to help you strengthen your practical skills and understanding of cookery in a professional context, while supporting progression to further study or training in hospitality and professional cookery.

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

Butchers apron
Skull cap

Entry requirements

You should normally have achieved NPA Professional Cookery at SCQF level 4, or be working towards it, and be ready to study at SCQF level 5. You should also be able to demonstrate an interest in professional cookery.

What next

This course provides a strong foundation for further study in professional cookery or hospitality. It can also help prepare you for entry-level training or further development within the hospitality sector, depending on your wider qualifications and experience.

APPLY

Higher Childcare and Development SCQF 6

Duration: One academic year
Where: Nicolson Institute
When:
- Wednesday 0900 - 1030
- Thursday 1355 - 1535

The Higher Childcare and Development relates to the care, learning and development of children pre-birth to aged 16. It is concerned with the roles and responsibilities of practitioners, other professionals and parents/carers in contributing to the development of children and young people.

Course content

You will study the holistic needs of children and young people and explore how these needs interrelate, evaluate methods for assessing the development of children and identify and analyse factors that influence child development. You will also study theories of development and analyse these in relation.

Entry requirements

Selection will be based on the applicant's college interview. Applicants should have an interest in the subject and be committed to completing the course.

What next

Following completion of the course, students could progress on to further study in subjects such as Health and Social Care or Education and Early Years.

APPLY

Practical Engineering Skills SCQF 6

Duration: One academic year
Where: UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway campus
When: Wednesday, 9.00 - 12.25

This course comprises four units. The content of the course focuses on the development of basic hand skills across the disciplines of mechanical, fabrication, electrical, electronic, maintenance, and manufacturing. Central to the content are the generic employability skills valued by employers in an engineering sector. These skills are developed in each of the four units and are assessed at least twice during the course.

Flame Retardant Boilersuit
Safety Glasses x2
Safety Gloves x2
Safety Boots

Course content

Engineering Skills: Mechanical and Fabrication (National 5)
- During the manufacture, learners will read simple engineering drawings, measure and mark, select appropriate materials, and work to specified tolerances. The learner will also develop and use basic engineering skills of cutting, shaping, drilling, tapping, forming, and joining.
Engineering Skills: Electrical and Electronic (National 5)
- Learners will select the correct tools and components required to construct a basic functional extra low voltage electrical circuit and an electronic circuit from a given diagram and specification. The unit is suitable for learners with no previous electrical, electronic, or employment experience.
Engineering Skills: Maintenance (National 5)
- Learners will select the correct tools, materials and equipment required to test, disassemble, repair, and assemble an engineering part.
Engineering Skills: Design and Manufacture (National 5)
- Learners will develop Computer Aided Draughting skills. They will select and use the correct tools and materials required to design, manufacture/construct, test, evaluate, and report their findings on the manufacture/construction of a project.

Entry requirements

Entry is at the discretion of the centre but, while no formal entry qualifications are required, it would be beneficial if learners embarking on the course were:

Candidates to be studying National 5’s in Maths, English and a technical or science subject.
Completion of national 4 Engineering Skills would be advantageous.
Good application highlighting their interest in the Engineering sector.

What next

This course or its units may provide progression to:

SVQs and Modern Apprenticeships in Engineering areas, relevant programmes in further education colleges and suitable training/employment.

APPLY

Higher Psychology SCQF 6

Duration: One academic year
Where: Nicolson Institute
When:
- Tuesday 1355 - 1535
- Wednesday 1045 - 1225
- Thursday 0850 - 0940

The Higher Psychology course introduces key areas of psychology, including individual behaviour, social behaviour and research. You will explore why people think and behave as they do and learn how psychological theories are developed. You will also carry out a practical research project, giving you hands-on experience with research skills that are valuable for further study.

Course content

Individual Behaviour - explore psychological explanations for behaviour, with topics that may include sleep and dreams, personality or phobias.
Social Behaviour - examine how people think and behave in social situations, with topics such as conformity, obedience and non-verbal communication.
Research - learn how psychological research is planned, conducted and evaluated, and carry out a small investigation using appropriate methods.

Entry requirements

You should have National 5 Psychology or at least three National 5 passes at grade C or above, including one literacy-based subject.

What next

This course is good preparation for further study in Psychology, as well further study in academic or vocational subjects such as Health and Social Care or Education and Early Years.

APPLY

Foundation Apprenticeships

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

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

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