MLitt Highlands and Islands Literature at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A taught postgraduate course on the writers and literatures of the Highlands and Islands, studied in the communities to which they belong. It follows three themes: landscape and identity, the literary and linguistic legacy for the modern period, and the place of Highlands and Islands literature in a wider context. Teaching includes lectures and seminars by local writers and the Institute for Northern Studies team.

Department: Institute for Northern Studies | Duration: Full time: 1 year; Part time: 2 years; Part time modular: 12 weeks | Intake: September; January | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

The PgCert core modules are The Gaelic legacy, Writers and place, and Literary iconographies. The PgDip adds A tour of the Highlands, Modern Scottish Gothic and one option such as Exploring creative writing or Picts: revealing the painted past. The MLitt is completed with a research dissertation.

Career pathways

School teaching (after a relevant PGDE), community education, adult education, journalism, government agencies, tourism, teaching on this or similar degrees; progression to PhD.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2:1 honours degree or above (or international equivalent) in English Literature. Applicants with a 2:1 in another strongly related subject are considered individually. A bridging unit, A Survey of Scottish Literature, is available for those without an English Literature degree or with non-standard qualifications. International applicants (online from overseas or on campus): IELTS Academic overall 6.5 with no element below 6.0, or an approved equivalent test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,820 for the whole programme (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students with a Scottish term-time address; masters (6 modules plus dissertation) Source

International applicants: GBP 11,450 for the whole programme (2026/27). Masters (180 credits), online study from home country (on-campus rate with Scottish term-time address GBP 17,170) Source

Intake: September; January

Duration: Full time: 1 year; Part time: 2 years; Part time modular: 12 weeks

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