Contemporary Art and Archaeology MA
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What is special about this course?
This new MA programme is unique in the UK in linking the fields of contemporary art and archaeology. It encourages students to take a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to artmaking and research-led creative practice. Core modules will immerse you in an established, interdisciplinary community of practice operating not only in Orkney, but also in Shetland, the Western Isles, and the mainland of Scotland.
This outward-looking MA embraces this setting by providing creative and interdisciplinary approaches to the scholarly study of material and visual culture, arts, and heritage. From crafting landscapes and ancient monuments to renewable energy and cutting-edge technology, the Highlands and Islands is where past, present, and future meet, at the interface of the global and local. Specialist optional modules in art or archaeology will allow you to build a bespoke MA which explores both the deep past of this fascinating region and plays a role in its sustainable, creative future.
This exciting course will allow you to explore, both independently and collaboratively, original and creative responses to current issues and develop your own practice as a uniquely interdisciplinary art and archaeology practitioner.
Special features
- Developed and directed by a specialist team of academics and visual artists based in Orkney, allowing access to world-famous archaeology
- The only course of its kind to link contemporary art practice with archaeological study
- The course is delivered online and can, therefore, be studied from anywhere in the world
- Specialist optional modules in art and archaeology will allow you to tailor your course to your own interests
Entry requirements
- 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject.
- Students without formal qualifications, but with professional experience, will also be considered
- You will also be required to submit a portfolio with evidence of work and attend an interview either in person, by phone, VC, or Skype
PgCert
You will study the following core module:
- Art and archaeology: contemporary theory and practice
You will also choose two option modules, one in archaeology and one in creative practice.
PgDip
You will study the following core modules:
- Contemporary art and archaeology in practice
- Research skills and methods
You will also choose one option module in either archaeology or creative practice.
MA
To achieve the award of MA you must complete a final project in contemporary art and archaeology.
How will I study my course?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
As your course was designed to be online, we can confirm that there will be no change to how it will be delivered this year. You will study online through a combination of video conference lectures (in real-time or recorded) and self-directed study using the university's virtual learning environment. You will also have an online induction at the start of the semester one. The residential event will be planned in line with the developing Scottish Government public health measures and guidance, including social distancing, and is likely to be a virtual event this year. Our priority is to provide a safe learning environment for all staff and students- Full-time
- Part-time
- You will study through supported online learning via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE). This will include a combination of video-conference lectures and tutorials available in real-time and recordings
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 15 months @ 40 hrs per week
- Part-time: 3 years
Where can I study my course?
- Orkney College UHI
You can study this fully online masters from any location. You will be enrolled and receive support from Orkney College UHI.
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £560 | £560 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £1,680 | £1,680 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £3,360 | £3,360 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation) | £5,000 | £5,000 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status, the following fees apply:
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £650 | £650 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £1,950 | £1,950 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £3,900 | £3,900 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £5,850 | £5,850 |
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government has confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals starting their study in Scotland from academic year 2021-22, who do not have settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. For 2021-22, students will get an automatic fee scholarship.
| 2021-22 | With scholarship | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £980 | £730 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £2940 | £2,190 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £5,880 | £4,380 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £8,820 | £6,570 |
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union, studying online from their home country, or assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £980 | £980 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £2940 | £2940 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £5,880 | £5,880 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £8,820 | £8,820 |
This course is not available to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international postgraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
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 the creative and cultural industries. This includes roles such as museum and exhibition curating, interpretation, or pursuing your own independent career as a creative practitioner.
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress from this course to the university's postgraduate research degrees, which will allow you to undertake independent research into a range of art and archaeology subjects.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Contemporary Art and Archaeology MA
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.