Postgraduate study

Institute for Northern Studies Postgraduate Study

Our research and teaching seeks to investigate the culture of the Highlands and Islands as "the lived experience of communities". This involves the study of contemporary institutions, the cultural dynamics of the languages of the Highlands and Islands region, policy agencies, and structuring organisations, as well as the traditional value and belief systems which drive the communities which make up the heterogeneous Celtic, Scots, and Nordic character of this region of Scotland.

These focused and critical investigations, while rooted in the specific and richly varied cultural context of the Highlands and Islands, exemplify general and universal principles which are applicable to a wide range of cultural circumstances. They are also extremely attractive to research students who have sought us out because of this interdisciplinary immersive approach.

The nature of the research and teaching reflects that of society: we do not live in isolation, neither do we interact on one level.

View Postgraduate Courses at the Institute for Northern Studies.

Archaeology Institute Postgraduate Study

The Archaeology Institute offers both taught and research based postgraduate programmes, which provide a unique opportunity to study archaeology in some of Britain’s most outstanding archaeological landscapes. Our teaching and research is underpinned by a belief in the importance of integrating theory and practice in all topics from Neolithic Studies and Iron Age Scotland, through to sustainability in the past and present and the archaeology of death and burial.

“Some of the best things about the course were the field trips, the people, and the excavations, allowing us to see and understand the historical and archaeological landscape surrounding us through visiting a huge range of archaeological sites in Orkney. To experience these sites first hand definitely helped motivate me to keep learning and improve my skills.”
(Janine Ferguson – Archaeological Practice 2008)

Taught Postgraduate

Postgraduate students form an integral part of the friendly and stimulating research environment of the department, which aims to inspire debate and innovative thinking in both students and staff. Students have access to high-quality research resources, labs and a wide range of survey, analysis and computing equipment as well as the opportunity to be involved in on-going projects and excavations. We also have a great track record of helping our alumni to go on to professional careers and further academic research, both in Orkney and further afield.

Archaeology Institute Taught Postgraduate courses

Research Degrees

You can also study for either MPhil (Master of Philosophy) or PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), enabling you to develop your own interests and ideas alongside a growing group of postgraduate research students undertaking research into a variety of topics. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in archaeology, then please contact the department either via email or phone, to discuss your ideas before making a formal application.