New for 2026
Discover more opportunities with new courses starting this September
Designed with industry and community needs in mind, our range of new courses includes online, on-campus and work-based study options, personalised support and exciting pathways to employment or further study - helping you build skills that matter for your next step.
Explore our courses or speak to our team to help find the right option for you:
On-campus study options
- NC Applied Sciences SCQF 6 (Thurso) - Build a strong foundation in scientific principles and practical laboratory skills, with opportunities to progress to further study in science or related disciplines.
- NQ Art and Design SCQF 5 (Auchtertyre, Fort William and Portree) - Develop your creative skills through practical projects in illustration, printmaking, mixed media and design techniques. This hands-on course is ideal for beginners, leisure learners, or anyone looking to build a portfolio for further study in art and design.
- NC Beauty Therapy Skills SCQF 5 (Fort William) - Gain the practical skills and confidence needed to start a career in the beauty industry. This hands-on course covers beauty treatments, make-up techniques, client care and hairstyling for weddings and events, with training delivered in a professional salon environment.
- NPA Contemporary Art Practice (Fort William) - Explore a variety of media, processes, and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, film, and photography. Develop your personal work and projects, with modules in portfolio-building and personal development planning
- NPA Counselling: An Introduction SCQF 5 (Stornoway) - Gain an introduction to counselling skills and communication techniques that are valuable in a range of personal and professional settings.
- NPA Counselling Skills: An Introduction SCQF 6 (Stornoway) - Build on foundational counselling skills and develop a deeper understanding of communication and helping relationships.
- NQ Countryside Skills with Ranger Training SCQF 5 (Abriachan) - This hands-on course covers habitat management, countryside recreation, visitor management and conservation skills, with work placement opportunities and industry-recognised awards to help prepare you for employment or further study in conservation and land management.
- NQ Introduction to Engineering Practices (Thurso) - Develop practical engineering skills and technical knowledge, preparing you for further study or entry-level roles in engineering and technical industries.
- NQ Social Care Introductory Programme (SCIP) SCQF 5 (Thurso) - Designed for those interested in a career in social care, this course introduces the knowledge and skills needed to progress into further training or employment in the sector.
- Fabrication and Welding (SVQ & NC) SCQF 5 (Port of Nigg) - Launch your career in engineering with this 20-week Fabrication and Welding course at the Port of Nigg. Gain hands-on industry skills and nationally recognised qualifications, preparing you for employment or a Modern Apprenticeship in this high-demand sector.
Work-based qualifications with online study
- SVQ Aquaculture Management (SCQF level 9) - This SVQ has been designed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council, Lantra, and in response to the aquaculture industry requirements for work-based management training. The programme is offered and assessment carried out, in the workplace, minimising any need to be away from work.
- Graduate Apprenticeship BSc Software Development SCQF 10 - Earn a degree while working in the industry. This graduate apprenticeship allows employees to develop advanced software development skills while gaining valuable workplace experience.
- Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare - Gain hands-on experience in veterinary care and animal welfare through a blended course combining online study with practical placement experience in a veterinary practice.
Online study options
- Business and Administration SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) - Gain the practical business, administration and digital skills needed for a wide range of office and customer-focused careers through this flexible online virtual classroom course.
- Business, Travel and Tourism SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) -Build the skills and confidence to work across the business, travel and tourism sectors with this engaging online course, designed to develop the communication, customer service and organisational skills employers value.
- NC Computing with Digital Media SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) - Build your knowledge and practical skills in computing, digital media and creative technologies through online learning in a virtual classroom environment. This course introduces areas such as software, web and digital media development, helping prepare you for further study or careers in computing and the digital industries.
- Game Art and Animation SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) - Turn your creativity into digital worlds with the new NQ Game Art and Animation SCQF 6 at UHI North, West and Hebrides. Study online and develop skills in animation and digital art for the film and games industry.
- Palliative and End of Life Care SCQF 6 (Online self-directed) - This flexible online course supports those working in health or care settings to develop knowledge and understanding of palliative and end-of-life care.
- Personal Effectiveness and Study Skills (Online Self-directed) - Develop the confidence, organisation and independent learning skills needed to succeed in study, work and everyday life with this flexible online self-directed course. Personal Effectiveness and Study Skills helps learners build practical skills in communication, time management, goal setting and effective study techniques at their own pace.
- HNC Childhood Practice (SCQF 7) - We will be introducing our revamped HNC Childhood Practice. This updated qualification continues to focus on Childhood Practice and prepares you for working in Early Learning and Childcare. The modules which make up the new course look different from the current award and from previous delivery. These changes reflect the development that the award has undergone to give you the skills you need to thrive in the modern workplace.
Looking for other study options?
Looking for other study options?
Discover over 300 courses starting this August and September, delivered across our campuses and online. Whether you’re beginning your journey, moving up to the next level, or building skills for your career, we’re here to support your next step.
- Use the location filter to see what’s available to you to study on campus and online.
- If you are looking for advice about courses, funding or anything else, please give us a call on 01847 889000 or email on: info.nwh@uhi.ac.uk.