English SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) Higher

What is special about this course?

This course aims to improve your writing and extend your knowledge of literature in prose, poetry and drama.

You will study a wide variety of non-fiction and fiction texts, developing the key skills of understanding, analysing and evaluating.  You will develop these skills both in writing and orally.  You will also have the opportunity to produce your own discursive and creative writing. 

You will explore texts such as; reference texts, reports and factual articles from journalistic texts, feature articles dealing with different points of view, persuasive texts including advertisements, biography and autobiography, letters and memoirs; formal essays and literary texts from different genres. These will include informative, expressive, imaginative and creative styles and you will study and analyse them for information and meaning.

You will also explore texts from at least two different genres such as: poetry, prose, novels, short stories, autobiography, memoirs, diary, travelogue, essays; drama and mass media.

Writing folio - For this you are required to produce two pieces of writing, one of which is broadly discursive and one of which is broadly creative. You will have the opportunity to redraft your work which will contribute 30% towards the final mark.

Entry requirements

You should have National 5 English A or B, or Int 2 A or B or standard grade 1 or 2 or equivalent.

Assessment

Portfolio of Writing: 30 marks

2 pieces: one Creative and one Discursive.  Your folio will be a first draft and finished version for both the discursive and creative essays

Exam 1: Question Paper: 30 marks

Close Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation

In the Reading for UAE paper, learners will answer questions designed to test their understanding, analysis, evaluation, summarising, inferencing and comparative skills. The passages will be non-fiction and previously unseen.

Exam 2: Critical Reading: 40 marks.

Scottish Text analysis and Critical Essay on a second text

There will be two sections: a section for analysis of one of the set Scottish text studied in class and a critical essay on a different text from another genre studied in class.

Performance–Spoken Language: pass/fail

Produce detailed and complex spoken language through the demonstration of talking and listening skills.

Equipment

Internet connection and a suitable device with headphones, microphone and camera (minimum spec) is required. Please email us if you have any concerns about connectivity or equipment.
 

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time
  • Evening
  • Online

Timetabled learning will take place in an online virtual classroom where you connect and interact with your lecturer and classmates using video, voice and text chat. You will also complete flexible self-directed study which you can fit around work, caring, or personal commitments.

How long will my course last?

9 Months

The course has 80 hrs of tuition which you are required to attend.

Where can I study my course?

    • Study from anywhere including your local campus or centre

Start date

The course will start in mid August each year.

Fees

Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.

What can I do on completion of my course?

After this course, there are a number of other further and higher education courses you can study. Ask us for more information.

Is there more information available online?

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I am currently studying Higher English alongside HNC Contemporary Art Practice. I have really enjoyed doing active writing and reading. I have found authors and poets I really enjoy and probably never would have considered. I was home-schooled, so being able to study in a classroom setting and take part in exams has taken me out of my comfort zone and helped me to grow as a person and learn valuable lessons.  

When I first enrolled, I planned to write and illustrate children’s books. I have discovered that my passions lie in my creative abilities. Studying here has given me the time to really think about where and what I want to do after leaving college. I believe that my first reason for joining is still a prominent future, but I might go on to achieve a degree in Art so I can eventually teach art myself. 

Niamh Bennett

Apply for English SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) Higher

I want to start in 2024/25

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides 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.