History of Orkney in 100 sites (SCQF level 7) CPD Award

The information on this course page is for the 2027/28 academic year, starting in September 2027. January 2027 starts are only available if 'I want to start in JAN 2027' appears in the 'Apply' section below.

Information iconCourse code: V90HO

Calendar iconStudy mode: You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time., You study outside of typical working hours, usually in the evenings.

Mortar board iconCourse type: CPD Award

Globe iconInternational: Available to study online

Campus iconStudy at: Orkney

Pen iconStart in: January; September

Computer and book iconLearning mode: You access classes and/or materials digitally.

Clock iconDuration: Part time: 10 weeks

Book and tick iconHow: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable.

What is special about this course?

Do you want to shape people's experience of Orkney’s rich heritage, creating meaningful connections with its unique places? Could you imagine yourself analysing historic sites, uncovering their stories, and helping to bring Orkney’s sense of place to life for visitors?

Our CPD Award History of Orkney in 100 Sites (SCQF level 7) puts you at the heart of that experience. Consider and evaluate more than 100 key sites and discover how Orkney’s cultural heritage shapes its identity, influencing the way people experience the islands today. From ancient monuments and Viking landmarks to traditional farming landscapes and wartime sites, examine how these places are managed, interpreted, and presented to the public.

Develop your understanding through the perspectives of cultural tourism, historical geography, and site management. Explore the challenge of protecting Orkney’s distinctive sense of place while creating engaging experiences that meet the needs of today’s heritage and tourism sector. Build the knowledge and insight to understand heritage in context and play a role in shaping how Orkney’s stories connect with the world.

Special features

  • Strategic interpretation: learn to tell the story of Orkney’s people and places through diverse media and primary sources
  • Heritage sustainability: address the challenges of preserving historical sites while ensuring they remain accessible and economically viable
  • Stakeholder engagement: consider how the past is contested, protected, and celebrated by local communities and global visitors alike

  • No formal qualifications are required, although it’s recommended that you are able to work at SCQF level 6 or above

You will study the following core module:

  • History of Orkney in 100 sites

How will I study my course?

  • Part-time evening
  • This course is delivered online with scheduled evening sessions and tutorials
  • Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors

How long will my course last?

  • Part-time evening class: 10 weeks @ 2 hours per week

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.

  • Orkney
  • This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the world. You will be enrolled and supported by staff at UHI Orkney

Start date

  • September
  • January*

*for the 2026/27 academic year, this course will only be delivered in January. From September 2027 onwards, the course will only be delivered in September.

Fees

For information on costs of 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 college for more information.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:

  • Heritage
  • Tourism
  • Leisure

Can I progress into further study?

You may wish to progress from CPD Award History of Orkney in 100 Sites (SCQF level 7) to the following courses:

Apply for History of Orkney in 100 sites (SCQF level 7) CPD Award

I want to start in Jan/Feb 2027 or Aug/Sep 2027

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.