What is special about this course?

The MLitt British Studies is the only interdisciplinary masters course in British Studies in the UK. It brings together four key disciplines from across the humanities – history, literature, philosophy and archaeology. It allows students to develop their interest in any aspect of British identities, across disciplines and centuries, and offers an excellent foundation for independent research.

You will explore the shifting meanings of Britishness, from the Roman era to the present day, with experts who are highly research active. You will examine a variety of representations and articulations of Britishness, exploring how British mentalities and identities have been experienced by people from all backgrounds - both in the UK and abroad - and questioning the idea of Britishness.

You will be trained in interdisciplinary approaches to the study of identities and in a range of research skills and methodologies, equipping you to pursue doctoral research in a selection of disciplines. You will gain hands-on skills in digital humanities and your dissertation will give you the opportunity to work closely with a range of local museums and archives. You can also gain ‘practical’ academic experience in conference organisation, public speaking, networking and virtual research environments.

On the MLitt British Studies programme you will be taught by academics who played a key part in the university’s REF2014 submission - the latest assessment of UK university research quality. Overall, the Centre for History was the highest ranked new history department in the UK: over two-thirds of research was rated at 4* and 3* in history and area studies, indicating ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ quality. The ‘impact’ of this research on the broader economy and society was ranked joint 8th and 12th respectively throughout the entire UK, with area studies coming out top in Scotland.

Special features

• Interdisciplinary postgraduate training in the Humanities
• Opportunities to work with one of our partners in the region’s heritage sector (Inverness Museums and Galleries; Historic Environment Scotland; Highland Archive Centre)
• Opportunities to participate in the Hub for the Study of British Identities, an online virtual research environment (VRE)
• Opportunities for digital humanities training
• Available in the Highlands and Islands or online from anywhere in the world
• Ideal for students who have undertaken a joint-honours or liberal arts undergraduate degree, but designed in a way that also supports students who are new to interdisciplinary research or the individual disciplines that form part of this course
• Opportunity to undertake a substantial interdisciplinary research project
• Opportunities to study additional modules from across the Humanities

Entry requirements

• 2:1 Honours degree or above (or international equivalent) in history, archaeology, literature, philosophy, or a related subject from elsewhere in the arts and humanities, either from the University of the Highlands and Islands or from another university, domestically or internationally

*Funding support notice*

Postgraduate Loans (SAAS) (Scotland-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

• An honours degree in history, archaeology, literature, philosophy or a related subject in the humanities

PgCert

You will choose three out of the following core modules (60 credits): 

• British identities
• Imagining the nation
• Philosophy and British identity: Adam Smith and the virtues of modernity
• Britain begins: archaeological background to British studies

PgDip

You will choose the remaining core module from those listed in the PgCert, plus two option modules which may include:

• The British Empire
• Britishness and sport
• Global Scots
• Primary sources in History (MLitt History) 
• Varieties of History (MLitt History)
• an elective from History or other subject area

MLitt

• To achieve the award of MLitt British Studies you must complete an interdisciplinary research dissertation

Fees

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

Funding

From 2017, eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying full-time for any taught postgraduate course, up to full Masters level, can access loans up to £10,000 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). This comprises a tuition fee loan up to £5,500 and a non-income assessed living cost loan of £4,500. EU students studying full-time can apply for a tuition fee loan up to £5,500.

Part-time students undertaking any taught postgraduate course over two years up to Masters level, who meet the residency eligibility, can apply for a for a tuition fee loan up to £2,750 per year.

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.

External scholarships and financial support may be available.