Politics (SCQF level 7) PDA

Information iconCourse code: 90L2

Calendar iconStudy mode: You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time.

Mortar board iconCourse type: PDA

Globe iconInternational: Not eligible for international students

Campus iconStudy at: Moray

Pen iconStart in: September

Computer and book iconLearning mode: You join virtual classes from your local campus or learning centre., You access classes and/or materials digitally.

Clock iconDuration: Part-time: 17 weeks

Book and tick iconHow: You complete course tasks independently. These may be set by your lecturer or chosen by you.

What is special about this course?

Are you curious about politics, political concepts, and theories of the state?

Join our Politics PDA at SCQF level 7, with options to study either or both of our dedicated modules, and examine political structures within the UK, including Westminster and the Scottish Parliament, as well as looking at the work of pressure groups in our society.

Develop your critical thinking as you explore key political concepts such as accountability, citizenship, democracy, equality, justice, liberty, power, authority, and rights, to help you formulate an increased understanding of modern political systems.

Special features

  • Self directed study at your own pace

Entry requirements

  • 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above in English, ESOL, or a social science subject OR
  • 1 A level at grade C or above in English, ESOL, or a social science subject
  • Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply

Access routes

  • NC6 Social Sciences

You will study the following core modules:

  • Politics A: An introduction to political theories of the state 
  • Politics B: The United Kingdom and Scotland  

How will I study my course?

  • Part-time
  • You will study fully online, with no scheduled sessions or tutorials
  • Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
  • You may also be able to access sessions online from your local campus - please contact them directly for more information
  • You will take part in a mandatory online induction in September

How long will my course last?

  • Part-time: 17 weeks @ 10 hours per week (per module)

The number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent on online material as well as individual study and research.

  • Moray

Start date

  • September

Fees

For information on costs for this course please contact the campus where you wish to study.

Funding

External scholarships and financial support may be available. Contact the relevant UHI partner for more information.

Can I progress into further study?

You may wish to progress from PDA Politics to the following courses: 

  • HNC Social Sciences 
  • PDA Sociology
  • PDA Psychology
     

Apply for Politics (SCQF level 7) PDA

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2026

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate 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 gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.