UHI adds unique entry to UCAS handbook

The University of the Highlands and Islands project has taken another step towards the academic mainstream by being included for the first time in the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service handbook.

In keeping with its pioneering status as a high-tech federal network of colleges and research institutes, it has a unique form of entry.

Instead of the handbook's usual format of the institution's name and a list of courses, the three-page UHI entry is set out as a matrix, showing which of the 11 partners offering undergraduate courses teach a particular discipline.

Almost 100 higher education courses are listed. They range from a BA in Gaelic language and culture available at Lews Castle College on Lewis and Sabhal Mor Ostaig, the Gaelic college on Skye, to a Higher National Certificate in gamekeeping at Thurso College and a BSc in mechatronic engineering at Lews Castle, Thurso, Inverness, Moray and Perth Colleges.

John French, head of academic development, said: "UHI's entry for UCAS is a major step forward, providing UCAS applicants for the first time with a choice of courses and locations in the Highlands and islands."

The innovative entry was symbolic of the project, with its commitment to access, progression and the development of advanced learning and teaching networks throughout Scotland, Dr French said.

UCAS is itself about to go high-tech with a CD-Rom version of its weighty 815-page handbook, which includes 260 universities and colleges and more than 50,000 courses.