Scottish Ethnology (Research)

This Masters by Research (MScR) programme is ideal if you would like to complete a short piece of independent research in Scottish ethnology.

Scottish ethnology provides a fascinating insight into the traditional and popular culture of Scotland, while giving you a set of ethnographical skills that can be applied to other traditional cultures around the globe.

The programme is a good stepping-stone to a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification.

An MScR programme is likely to suit you if:

• you have a clear idea what you would like to write your masters dissertation about, right from the beginning of the programme

• you would like to be part of a large and supportive postgraduate community, while working independently

On this programme:

• you will take courses in research skills and methods

• you will complete two research assignments, each of 5,000 words

• you will write a 20,000 word dissertation under the guidance of an experienced and well-published supervisor

Based in Scotland’s capital and festival city, at the heart of a lively contemporary cultural scene, we are the longest established Scottish Studies department in Scotland.

Over the past 70 years, our archives have grown into an unrivalled collection of sound, video, film, and photographic resources that continue to inspire new research and creative work.

We specialise in research and field collection in the following areas:

• custom and belief

• digital folkloristics

• ethnological fieldwork methods

• heritage studies

• material culture

• oral narrative

• place names

• social organisation

• song and instrumental music and performance

• traditional arts and their contemporary practice

Our students come from a range of disciplinary and personal backgrounds, so your undergraduate degree does not need to have been in Scottish ethnology or Scottish studies to apply. We are very happy to discuss your proposed topic with you prior to application.