Tourism

HE Cert Highland Heritage for Tourism content

HE Cert Highland Heritage for Tourism

Scotland has much to offer in terms of stunning natural landscapes, historic castles, history, archaeology, food, drink, vibrant cities, unique wildlife, a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant tourism sector. Would you like to find out more about it?

Why this course?

Online Course: Study from anywhere in the world
Develop a strong understanding of the skills required to succeed in the fields of heritage, hospitality, tourism and tour guiding.
Acquire the skills needed to thrive in this exciting industry, combining academic insights with real-world experience.
We are working in partnership with HOST Guides, if you would like practical hands-on tour guide training within the
Highlands contact them directly for more information.

What you will Study

As part of your studies with UHI on this learning path you will learn about the region, its history, archaeology, language, literature, environment, and governance. You will learn practical presentation skills; how to deal with stakeholders; how to articulate with clients; and how to create a career – self-employed or as part of a larger business – in the Highlands and Islands.

The course is made up of three modules.

Modules

Module One: Scotland the Brand content Photograph from the bridge in Inverness

Module One: Scotland the Brand

Within Scotland there exists a great variety of cultures, each with their own distinctive languages, dialects and often their own customs. How then, given this diversity within our country can we talk about a single ‘Scottish brand’? Is there such a thing?’ Is Scottish culture distinct from other cultures? How? What makes it distinctive? Does it have any basis in reality? These questions are bound up with notions of identity, i.e. how we see ourselves, how we think others will see us, and how we see others. What we see today is in large part an invented culture, which is the image that Scotland presents to the world.
Scotland presents a Highland face to the world, albeit in distorted/fictionalised form, having little similarity to actual historical customs and traditions. Hence, if many of our customs and much of our heritage is fabricated, shouldn’t history and facts be preferred? The fact is that there is a demand from many visitors (and perhaps many Scots) for the believable over the actual. Interested to learn more?
20 credits, September-December. This is a mostly self-directed module with no weekly classes. You are given the materials and will work through them on a weekly basis.

Module Two: Step into the Highlands content Photograph of the Strath of Kildonon

Module Two: Step into the Highlands

This module emphasises the importance of employability and graduate skills, enabling a seamless transition from academic study to the professional world.
Even if tour guiding isn't your primary interest, this module will furnish you with vital transferable skills, knowledge, and theoretical training. These assets will allow you to easily deploy your expertise effectively across Scotland's varied tourism, heritage, cultural, or hospitality industries, thanks to their invaluable versatility.
60 credits, September-April. Classes run on Wednesday mornings throughout the year and offer introductory lectures to topics as diverse as Scotland’s larder to its natural environment; from history to literature; myths and legends to archaeology.

Module Three: Och Aye the Noo: Introduction to Highlands and Islands Tourism content A Photograph of Kirkwall Cathedral at night

Module Three: Och Aye the Noo: Introduction to Highlands and Islands Tourism

This module introduces key theories within tourism with a particular focus on Scotland, as well as broader international contexts. It explores the growing opportunities and employment prospects within the vital tourism sector of the Highlands and Islands and examines the unique and diverse tourism offerings of the region, incorporating specific case studies and considering global perceptions of its appeal.
It includes guest lectures from a range of tourism practitioners across the Highlands and Islands, allowing you to experience real-life situations and develop useful networks.
40 credits, September-April. Classes run on Thursday mornings throughout the academic year.

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Progression, Assessment, Teaching & Learning content

Progression, Assessment, Teaching & Learning

After completion of this course, you will have the tools to allow you to move into the vibrant heritage and tourism industry within Scotland, or set yourself up as a self-employed business owner. Alternatively, academic progression through UHI could be via the following:

All classes are taught via Microsoft Teams, so a good internet connection is essential for study.

Teaching is over two semesters in blocks of 12 weeks each. Classes are a mix of lectures, seminars, discussions, self-directed study and tutorials and are supplemented by a vast online library of materials relevant to your own area.

There are a number of different types of assessments across all three modules, including presentations, case studies, weekly tasks and essays. Students will collate a large body of information from resources provided to create their own ‘book’ on their chosen area, which will of particular value in life after study.