Master in British Studies

What is special about this course?

The MLitt British Studies is the only interdisciplinary master's 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 researching 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

About Us

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is an integrated university encompassing both further and higher education, the only one in Scotland and one of only a few in Europe. We are not a traditional university. We are different.

Based in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, we are a distinctive partnership of 10 independent colleges and research institutions. Our reputation is built on our innovative approach to learning and our distinctive research and curriculum – all enriched by the people, natural environment, economy, culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands and its communities.

We have 36,000 students at the heart of our university partnership and we are measured by their success.

We're a little different...

The University of the Highlands and Islands gives you the chance to do something different, something special.

We offer a diverse range of courses, many taking advantages of our region's unique environment, landscape and culture.

Learn online from wherever you are

The university has some of the best online learning technologies meaning you can study many of our courses from home or work, wherever you are in the world.

Go on to achieve great things

Our close connections to local businesses will help you get into the industry you're passionate about. We work closely with employers (including SSE and NHS Scotland) to develop courses to secure your future success.