Contemporary Art and Archaeology MA

What is special about this course?

This new MA programme is unique in the UK in linking the fields of contemporary art and archaeology. It encourages students to take a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to artmaking and research-led creative practice. Core modules will immerse you in an established, interdisciplinary community of practice operating not only in Orkney, but also in Shetland, the Western Isles, and the mainland of Scotland.

This outward-looking MA embraces this setting by providing creative and interdisciplinary approaches to the scholarly study of material and visual culture, arts, and heritage. From crafting landscapes and ancient monuments to renewable energy and cutting-edge technology, the Highlands and Islands is where past, present, and future meet, at the interface of the global and local. Specialist optional modules in art or archaeology will allow you to build a bespoke MA which explores both the deep past of this fascinating region and plays a role in its sustainable, creative future.

This exciting course will allow you to explore, both independently and collaboratively, original and creative responses to current issues and develop your own practice as a uniquely interdisciplinary art and archaeology practitioner.

Special features

Developed and directed by a specialist team of academics and visual artists based in Orkney, allowing access to world-famous archaeology
The only course of its kind to link contemporary art practice with archaeological study
The course is delivered online and can, therefore, be studied from anywhere in the world
Specialist optional modules in art and archaeology will allow you to tailor your course to your own interests

How long will my course last?

Full-time: 15 months @ 40 hrs per week
Part-time: 3 years

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in the creative and cultural industries. This includes roles such as museum and exhibition curating, interpretation, or pursuing your own independent career as a creative practitioner.