Studying islands

The University of the Highlands and Islands is launching an islands studies course, the first of its kind in Scotland.

The postgraduate course will explore cultural, political, economic and environmental aspects of islands.

Modules include ‘governance in small islands,’ ‘tourism in ‘cold’ islands’ and ‘island futures’.

A ‘Scottish islands’ module will compare the cultures of people in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland through their language, literature, history and politics.

Applications to start the islands studies MLitt in September are open now and there is also the opportunity to start in January 2014.

Dr Andrew Jennings, lecturer at the Centre for Nordic Studies in Shetland and programme leader for the course, said islands were wonderful places to live, work in and visit.

“Each island and island community is unique, yet throughout the world the experience of island life creates a shared experience.

“In this exciting new MLitt taught from the Scottish islands we will explore these bonds and the opportunities and challenges which island communities face.

“We will take an island perspective and learn from each other, instead of looking for advice and solutions from the mainland,” he said.

More info at www.uhi.ac.uk