Material Culture and Gàidhealtachd History MSc
Course code 93Q7
What is special about this course?
This ground-breaking, internationally acclaimed masters programme offers you a unique opportunity to investigate Gaelic culture – entirely through the language of the Gaels themselves.
The course gives you the chance to study in-depth the extraordinary transformations affecting the Gaelic world during recent centuries up to the present day, drawing upon the wealth of material culture, literature, tradition, and language of the people of the Highlands.
You may already be knowledgeable on the tradition, material culture and history of different Highland districts. By placing them in a wider regional context through your studies, with a specific focus on material culture – the many objects made and used in the Highlands – you will attain a deeper understanding of the world of the Gaels, both past and present.
The course is taught in Gaelic, from a Gaelic perspective, by internationally recognised scholars, therefore communicative ability in the language is essential.
Special features
- It is available to study entirely online
- You can fit your studies around your personal and professional commitments
- Emphasis on developing skills in fieldwork, oral interviewing and archival research
- Building strong links with local communities, local and national museums and agencies
- You can study individual modules for personal or professional development, or work towards the PgCert, PgDip or masters degree
Entry requirements
- 2:2 honours degree or above in a relevant subject
- Applicants without these qualifications but with relevant professional experience will be considered on an individual basis
- A good standard of fluency in Gaelic is necessary
Postgraduate Loans (SAAS) (Scottish-domiciled and EU students)
Loans for tuition fees are available from SAAS for eligible Scotland-domiciled and EU students, and loans for living costs for eligible Scottish students.
Access routes
Direct entry from our own Gaelic-medium degrees.
PgCert
Core modules are:
- Material culture and European ethnology
- Research methods
- Settlement and land use
PgDip
Core modules are:
- Historical perspectives
- Contemporary issues
You will also choose one option module which may include:
- Environmental evolution and sustainability
- Regions and identities
- Migration: cultural continuity and change
MSc
To achieve the award of MSc you must complete a research dissertation.
How will I study my course?
- Part-time (structured)
- Part-time (unstructured) - this option allows you to be more flexible regarding the length of time you may take to complete the course and the pathways to completion are less likely to be pre-set
- You will study through supported online learning using the university's virtual learning environment (VLE)
- Assessment methods involve a mixture of projects and fieldwork assignments
- You will be required to attend an induction session at the start of the course, either face-to-face at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI on the Isle of Skye or online
- This course may be studied by international students from your home country
How long will my course last?
- Part-time (structured): 3 years @ 12-16 hours per week
- Part-time (unstructured): 6 years @ 10 hours per week
The number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which will include time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
- You can study this fully online course from anywhere in the world, and will be enrolled and supported by staff at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £584 | £610 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £1,752 | £1,830 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £3,504 | £3,660 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation) | £5,256 | £5,490 |
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:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £780 | £840 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £2,340 | £2,520 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £4,680 | £5,040 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £7,020 | £7,560 |
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 confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. These students will get an automatic fee scholarship.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | With scholarship | 2025-26 | With scholarship | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £1,110 | £833 | £1,200 | £900 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £3,330 | £2,499 | £3,600 | £2,700 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £6,660 | £4,998 | £7,200 | £5,400 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £9,990 | £7,497 | £10,800 | £8,100 |
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:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £1,110 | £1,200 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £3,330 | £3,600 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £6,660 | £7,200 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £9,990 | £10,800 |
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
Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying part-time can apply for a tuition fee loan from SAAS. You must be intending to complete the course in no longer than twice the length of time it would take for a full-time student. For example, if your course is available to full-time students as a one-year programme, you will be funded for a maximum of two years' part-time study. If your course does not have a full-time option, you must complete within three years. You can apply for a tuition fee loan up to £7,000, which will be paid pro-rata for each academic year of study.
Full details can be found on the SAAS website. Applications for loans open in April.
Students from the rest of the UK who meet the eligibility requirements may be able to apply for a loan from the Student Loan Company.
What can I do on completion of my course?
-
Positions within the heritage sector; museums; community groups; the media; creative industries; the public sector; developmental and environmental agencies; and PhD research
Can I progress into further study?
- PhD or other research
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Material Culture and Gàidhealtachd History MSc
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.