University launches course in island studies

The University of the Highlands and Islands is launching an islands studies course, the first of its kind in Scotland.

The postgraduate course will explore cultural, political, economic and environmental aspects of islands. Modules include ‘governance in small islands,’ ‘tourism in ‘cold’ islands’ and ‘island futures’. A ‘Scottish islands’ module will compare the cultures of people in the Hebrides, Orkneys and Shetlands through their language, literature, history and politics.

The island studies MLitt will be delivered by teaching staff and from Orkney, Shetland, Skye and Lewis. It will also feature guest speakers from these islands as well as from the Isle of Man, the Faroe Isles and Prince Edward Island.

Students can study the course on a part time or full time basis from a number of locations around the Highlands and Islands. It will be offered at each of the university’s island-based campuses as well as at Perth College UHI, Inverness College UHI, West Highland College UHI and North Highland College UHI. It is also available anywhere in the world through distance learning.

Applications to start the islands studies MLitt in September are open now and there is also the opportunity to start in January 2014.

Dr Andrew Jennings, lecturer at the Centre for Nordic Studies in Shetland and programme leader for the course, said: ‘‘Islands are wonderful places to live, work in and visit. Each island and island community is unique, yet throughout the world the experience of island life creates a shared experience. In this exciting new MLitt taught from the Scottish islands we will explore these bonds and the opportunities and challenges which island communities face. We will take an island perspective and learn from each other, instead of looking for advice and solutions from the mainland.”

Media contact

Susan Szymborski
Communications officer
01463 279222
susan.szymborski@uhi.ac.uk