Early Modern European Studies MLitt

Course code R800

What is special about this course?

Change your future by examining the past, on our MLitt Early Modern European Studies.

Place yourself 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. Engage with the programme’s research-led teaching, and work in close association with the Renaissance and Early Modern Research Alliance (REMRA), as you explore this fascinating period of history and develop an overarching understanding of the European early modern period, while allowing for your own individual specialisation and interest.

Get special access to the ‘Grand Tour’, a virtual social space where you can connect with others on the programme, take advantage of useful resources, and find out about early modern events. Take part in weekly live sessions and enjoy opportunities to discuss and debate topics with staff and fellow students. Enhance your skills in research, critical analysis, presentation, and communication, and get the best start for progression into further studies or careers in a vast range of different professions. 

Special features

  • Flexible and accessible programme which can be studied anywhere in the world at a pace which suits you
  • Research-led teaching by early modernists from the disciplines of history, archaeology, theology, and literature
  • Staff expertise in:
    • the North Atlantic and Baltic regions
    • War and society
    • Communities and identities
  • Learning is supported by a rich array of materials, all of which are available online.
  • From Virtual Learning Environments (VREs) to library e-resources, all you will need will be provided
  • Choose from a range of optional modules, allowing you to specialise in the areas that interest you
  • Close links with the Renaissance and Early Modern Research Alliance (REMRA) introduces you to current research and UHI's research culture

Entry requirements

  • 2:2 honours degree or above (or international equivalent) in a related field, including but not limited to: history, archaeology, literature, theology, politics and heritage studies
  • The suitability of applicants from non-related fields or any non-standard backgrounds will be decided on an individual, case-by-case basis - please contact the programme leader if you would like to discuss your circumstances
  • International students whose first language is not English must meet language competency standards as noted on the international page of our website

PgCert

You will study the following core modules: 

  • Early modern studies: debates and practice
  • Faith, fury and fraternity: the making of modern Europe, 1500-1800
  • Migration, community and identity in early modern northern Europe

PgDip

You will study three additional 20 credit modules from the following options:

  • Archaeology of the Highlands and Islands
  • Arguments and alternatives in history
  • Case studies in Renaissance drama
  • Castles in context - from medieval to modern
  • Culture and society: historical developments
  • Darkness, division, and discord? The Highlands, 1603-1707
  • Death and burial archaeology
  • Discovering the past: introduction to interdisciplinary research methods 
  • Excavation 
  • Introduction to palaeography and languages for North Atlantic history 
  • Maritime lives: the Scottish Northern Isles during the Early Modern period
  • Renaissance Venice: lagoon, city and empire
  • Rivers, ports and coasts in European history
  • Royal power, propaganda and performance in Early Modern Europe
  • Scotland's customs: traditional beliefs and folklore
  • Scottish historical archaeology
  • The wars of the covenant: Scotland and the British civil wars, 1638-1655

MLitt

To achieve the award of MLitt Early Modern European Studies you must also complete a research dissertation.

How will I study my course?

  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Part-time modular (standalone modules)
  • This course is mainly delivered online with pre-recorded materials and assigned reading/tasks
  • You will also study via scheduled videoconference classes and tutorials, which will be recorded and accessible for those who are studying in their own time
  • You may also be able to access sessions online from your local campus - please contact them directly for more information
  • 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 online induction in September or January

How long will my course last?

Full-time: 1 year @ 35 hours per week
Part-time: 2 years @ 17.5 hours per week
Part-time modular: 12 weeks @ 11.5 hours per week (per module)

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 course can be studied from anywhere in the world. You will be enrolled and supported by staff at UHI Orkney

Start date

  • September
  • January

Fees

For finance/funding information – please refer to UHI Orkney Finance.

For course fees – please email ocrevenue@uhi.ac.uk

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?

You will graduate from this programme with a suite of skills which can be transferred to a range of career paths, such as:

  • Tourism and heritage
  • Civil service
  • Journalism 

Can I progress into further study?

Upon completing the MLitt, you may be interested in pursuing further research with us via our Masters of Research (MRes) or PhD programmes.

For further information, please contact Dr Andrew Lind. 

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Early Modern European Studies MLitt

I want to start in Jan/Feb 2026 or Aug/Sep 2026 or Jan/Feb 2027

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.