What is special about this course?

This new MA Art and Archaeology* is an interdisciplinary course that links contemporary art practice with cutting edge archaeological research and theory. Its emphasis on contemporary practice as well as historical and theoretical context makes it unique in the UK.

The course immerses you into a research-rich creative community operating across the highlands and islands of Scotland and offers you the chance to gain access to world-class archaeological sites and artefacts, including Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while developing your own creative practice.

The course will help strengthen your ability to utilise independent and collaborative learning experiences to develop original and creative responses to problems and current complex issues. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement as an artist-on-residence on an archaeological excavation.

Depending on your background and expertise, you can choose to follow either an archaeological studies or art practice pathway, with either a research dissertation or practical project as the final assessment at MA level. 

*subject to validation

Special features

• Based at Orkney College UHI, allowing access to the world-famous archaeology on offer
• Taught by specialists in art/archaeology and interdisciplinary practice
• The course offers a unique approach by linking practice with theory, and art with archaeology
• Potential to gain valuable professional experience through residencies

Entry requirements

• 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject. You will also be required to submit a portfolio with evidence of work
• Students without formal qualifications, but with professional experience, can be accepted upon submission and acceptance of relevant portfolio work

PgCert

For the Art Practice pathway, you will study the following modules:

• Art and archaeology: contemporary theory and practice
• Communities of practice
• Plus one option module from across the university's archaeology and creative portfolios

For the Archaeological Studies pathway, you will study the following modules:

• Art and archaeology: contemporary theory and practice
• Archaeology of the Highlands and Islands
• Plus one option module from across the university's archaeology and creative portfolios

PgDip

For the Art Practice pathway, you will study the following modules:

• Creative approaches to art and archaeology
• Research methods
• Plus one option module from across the university's archaeology and creative portfolios

For the Archaeological Studies pathway, you will study the following modules:

• Creative approaches to art and archaeology
• Research and dissertation
• Plus one option module from across the university's archaeology and creative portfolios

MA

To achieve the award of MA you must complete a practical project for the Art Practice pathway, or a 15,000-word dissertation for the Archaeological Studies pathway.

Fees

For information on costs of this course please contact the college at which you wish to study.

Funding

External scholarships and financial support may be available. Contact the relevant UHI partner college for more information.