Contemporary Art and Archaeology MA

What is special about this course?\
Our MA Contemporary Art and Archaeology 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 which stretches from Orkney to the wider world. From crofting 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.

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. Specialist optional modules in both art and 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 Contemporary Art and Archaeology practitioner.

Special features\
◾One of 7 UHI postgraduate courses to achieve a perfect 100% overall student satisfaction score (2025 PTES)\
◾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: 12 months @ 35-40 hours per week\
◾Part-time: 24 months - 6 years