English Higher

What is special about this course?

This qualification is one of the most commonly-required for entry to Higher Education and Degree courses. You will develop and extend a range of reading skills through studying, analysing and responding to a wide variety of informational, literary and media texts which contain complex ideas.

Entry requirements

The candidate would be expected to have achieved English SCQF Level 5 (C270 11, C724 75 or equivalent). An entrance test must be undertaken by those candidates who have not achieved an appropriate English course. You should apply for this course and sit the entrance exam - if necessary - prior to 16th August. Early application is advisable as places will be limited. Entry will be at the discretion of the college.

This course consists of the following two units which are internally assessed and a written folio and exam - both external assessed by SQA.

  • English: Analysis and Evaluation (Higher) H23H 76
  • English: Creation and Production (Higher) H23T 76

You will develop reading , writing, listening and talking skills:

  • Listening skills are practised in a variety of contexts which will arise as part of language and literary study in the Course, for example, watching broadcasts and group discussion of texts.
  • Writing skills will be developed by employing different registers, formats and styles to fulfil a variety of purposes.
  • The talking skills will be practised in a variety of contexts which will arise as part of the language and literary study in the Course through, for example, presenting information and opinions and discussion of issues and texts.

A great deal of student participation will be undertaken through the virtual learning environment (VLE) discussion board.

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time
  • Evening

This course is delivered as a taught class by blended learning, including the use of video conferencing from your local learning centre, and the virtual learning environment (VLE), which is called Brightspace.

Materials will be provided as a mixture of paper-based and through the VLE, Brightspace. You will work through the learning materials and complete tasks as requested by your lecturer.

During induction students will learn how to use the VLE, which is an integral part of the course delivery.

The evening sessions, which you will attend from your local learning centre, are mandatory. Further to these, you will be expected to join a one hour online tutorial once a week; this can be done from your local learning centre or from home if you have the required technology and internet connection. Please contact your local learning centre for more information on times. There is also an element of self-study which will be required each week; students should allow at least 2 hours per week for this.

To gain the award of the course, students must achieve all the component units, complete a written folio and the external exam.

How long will my course last?

160 Hours

Completion of the course will require approximately 160 hours of study, through a combination of taught classes, online tutorials and self-study.

Where can I study my course?

    • UHI Argyll
    • Arran Learning Centre
    • Campbeltown Learning Centre
    • Dunoon Learning Centre
    • Helensburgh Learning Centre
    • Islay Learning Centre
    • Lochgilphead Learning Centre
    • Oban Learning Centre
    • Rothesay Learning Centre

Start date

Classes will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6pm - 9pm in your local learning centre. There will be an online weekly 1 hour tutorial which you should also attend. 

Fees

If you are on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits may receive a fee waiver. Please refer to page 2 of our Fees and Funding Guide to see if you are eligible.  If you think this may apply to you, please contact us and we can advise you.

This course is not available to students who require a Tier 4 Home Office visa to study in Scotland (international or EU).

 

What can I do on completion of my course?

English Higher can be used as an entry qualification for a wide range of courses, in particular Social Science courses.  Alternatively, study of the subject itself can be continued through progression to a specific course such as BA Literature.

Is there more information available online?

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I did this course as I needed Higher English in order to do my teacher training through the PGDE route.

English was never something which I enjoyed in school and was not something which came natural to me. However, as the weeks went on I felt my confidence building. The lecturer was so motivating and encouraging, you’ll never get anyone more committed and who 100% believes in you. 

I'd gone back to studying after having my daughter and I seriously doubted my ability to study while being a mother however, I couldn’t be happier and more proud of myself that I did. Having now completed the class I realise the valuable life skills which it has given me which will last a life time.

Apply for English Higher

I want to start in 2025/26

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Argyll. UHI Argyll operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.