UHI launches new Early Modern European Studies MLitt

The University of the Highlands and Islands Institute for Northern Studies, in collaboration with the UHI Centre for History, UHI Archaeology Institute, UHI Highland Theological College and UHI Literature team, is pleased to announce the launch of our new MLitt programme in September 2025 – Early Modern European Studies (EMES).

The EMES programme draws upon the early modern research expertise of UHI staff across the institution to provide a purpose-built taught masters which will equip students with a multifaceted and thorough understanding of early modern Europe, 1500-1800. The programme has been designed to allow for individual specialisation and interest, via optional modules and a research dissertation.

UHI Institute for Northern Studies Lecturer and EMES Programme Leader Dr Andrew Lind states, “Students will develop skills in research, critical analysis, presentation and communication, equipping them for further study and/or careers in a range of different professions. Due to the programme’s research-led teaching, and its close association with the Renaissance and Early Modern Research Alliance (REMRA), EMES students will find themselves at the forefront of early modern research at UHI, debating contemporary research challenges and handling primary source materials which are actively informing our understanding of the early modern past.”

The programme’s dedicated virtual learning environments provide space for discussion boards, informal online workspaces and socialisation. The teaching team is committed to ensuring that, while students might be studying hundreds of miles apart, they are still able to learn as a cohort, developing the same relationships and having the same opportunities as face-to-face students.

UHI Centre for History Senior Lecturer Dr Kathrin Zickermann adds that, “The programme is open to students anywhere in the world and can be completed asynchronously - without the need for real-time interaction. Modules will be delivered through optional ‘live’ seminars delivered via videoconferencing (which will all be recorded for those who cannot attend), pre-recorded lectures and directed readings which utilise UHI’s vast array of digital resources. This approach ensures that remote asynchronous students can progress through the programme at a pace which suits them, while also allowing students to meet regularly with their classmates.”

All EMES students will complete the three core modules, qualifying for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits total). Those students who complete an additional three optional modules will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits total). To be awarded a MLitt, students must complete the previous requirements in addition to a research dissertation (180 credits total).

There is a rich catalogue of optional modules to choose from, including: ‘The Wars of the Covenant: Scotland and the British Civil Wars, 1638-1655’, ‘Rivers, Ports and Coasts in European History’, ‘Introduction to Palaeography and Languages for North Atlantic History’, ‘Scottish Historical Archaeology’ and many more!

The programme will be open to full-time, part-time and ‘unstructured’ students, with enrolments in September 2025 and January 2026. 

Keep your eyes peeled for enrolment opening in the next few weeks, and if you have any questions feel free to contact the programme leader, Dr Andrew Lind.