Runology and Old Norse (SCQF level 11) CPD Award
Course code V49RN
What is special about this course?
Join us in this rare opportunity to study inscriptions in runic writing and the fundamentals of Old Norse, giving us direct insight into life and society for the Vikings, Nordic peoples, and others who used these fascinating languages.
Learning the basics of Old Norse will provide you with the opportunity to further explore Norse sagas and mythology in the original language. The subjects included will be of interest to anyone with a passion for ancient customs and beliefs, such as Norse pagan, Medieval Christian beliefs and the conversion, and runic magic as practiced in pre-modern societies.
Runology is the study of inscriptions in the runic alphabet, predominantly carved on stone, wood, bone, antler, and metal objects. Runes were used in the Iron Age, Viking Age, Middle Ages, and into the post-medieval period by Nordic peoples, and to some extent in Continental Europe and Britain. The carved messages range from memorials to loved ones, dedications, and messages of love and devotion, to ownership tags, business correspondence, pagan and Christian prayers, and magic spells.
We are proud to be one of very few universities in the world offering Runology. The combination of subjects on this course can be studied purely for interest, particularly if you're keen to know more about past societies, especially the Viking Age and Nordic Middle Ages, or languages. It's also a great opportunity for continuing professional development, for example to employees in the heritage and museum sector, tourism, or archaeology.
Special features
- Can be studied from anywhere in the world by video-conference, in real-time or via recordings
- Rare opportunity to study runology (reading and interpretation of runic inscriptions)
- Learn to recognise an authentic runic inscription versus a modern production
- Learn to decipher the runic script and interpret the message, allowing you to listen to a voice speaking directly from the past
- Can be studied as a completely stand-alone course, or provide a starting point into our MLitt Archaeological Studies
- Delivered from the Orkney Islands, home to the largest assemblage of runic inscriptions in one place outside of Scandinavia
Entry requirements
- 2:2 Honours degree or above in archaeology or a relevant subject, or equivalent academic or professional qualifications
CPD Award
You will study the following module:
- Runology and Old Norse
This module will introduce you to reading runic inscriptions and provide you with an overview of the historical and geographical distribution of runic alphabets. A particular emphasis will be on inscriptions from Orkney and Shetland. The module also gives you a basic understanding of the Old Norse language through grammar, reading and translation exercises.
How will I study my course?
- Part-time
- This course is mainly delivered online with scheduled sessions and tutorials. You will undertake weekly 2 hour lectures and additional support tutorials delivered online via Teams. Sessions are recorded and can be accessed online at any point from anywhere in the world after the scheduled class
- You may also choose to study fully in-person, on campus if you are based near to our Orkney campus
- Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will have the option to take part in an induction, at Orkney College or online, at the beginning of your course. You are welcome to attend, however the induction will also be recorded so you can watch it later if you cannot attend at the time
How long will my course last?
- Part-time: 12 weeks (January-May) @ 16 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.
Where can I study my course?
- Orkney
- This fully online module can be studied from anywhere in the world. You will be enrolled and supported by staff at UHI Orkney Archaeology Institute
Start date
- January
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 the following areas:
- heritage
- culture
- tour guiding
- heritage attraction officer
- craft industry
Can I progress into further study?
You may wish to progress from CPD Runology and Old Norse (SCQF level 11) onto our MLitt Archaeological Studies course, to reach any of the following qualifications:
- PgCert Archaeological Studies: complete a further two modules
- PgDip Archaeological Studies: complete the PgCert plus a further three modules
- MLitt Archaeological Studies: complete the PgCert, PgDip and a dissertation
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Runology and Old Norse (SCQF level 11) CPD Award
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.