Island Studies

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A photograph showing the terrain in Shetland

Welcome to Island Studies at the Institute for Northern Studies. We specialise in the history, archaeology, and culture of the many islands surrounding Scotland's coasts.

Our world-leading research projects include:

These initiatives not only enhance our understanding of island societies and cultures but also help address current and future issues facing islands.

We also organise the Faroes-Shetland Research Symposium, strengthening ties between the two neighbouring archipelagos by sharing expertise and research. This collaboration aims to foster joint research projects in the future, bringing the two institutions even closer together. Additionally, the Islands Matters public online seminars, hosted by Island Studies, contribute to the UHI Islands' Strategy by promoting discussion and debate.

The staff at the Island Studies hub is also involved in the UArctic Thematic Network on Northern and Arctic Island Studies Research. The overall goal of this network is to support Arctic and Northern Island communities in socially, materially, and culturally benefiting from the discipline of Island Studies. 

Island Studies Hub content A drawing of an island and setting sun

Island Studies Hub

Our acclaimed postgraduate programmes MLitt Island Studies and MLitts in Highlands & Islands Literature, Viking Studies and Scottish Heritage together with our strong PhD programme cover a range of different aspects of Island culture and heritage and can be studied from anywhere in the world.

Staff content A photograph showing a beach in Shetland
Postgraduate Students content A photograph showing a croft on Shetland
Seminars, Symposia and Conferences content

Seminars, Symposia and Conferences

At its core, Island Studies believes that islands possess the human and intellectual capital to conduct research independently. Island Studies is based at UHI Shetland and organises various hybrid seminars, symposia, and conferences including: