Britons, Picts and Scots

Join us to discover the Britons, Picts and Scots: the peoples of Scotland in the first millennium CE.

Focusing on this period, often known as the ‘Dark Ages’, learners will be introduced to a variety of sources that will shed light on these pastoral, warrior societies, their cultural and linguistic identities and the transition from pre-Christian to Christian society.

Drawing primarily on Roman and Irish sources, we will explore similarities and differences between these groups and assess misconceptions about Scotland’s history. We will also consider recent developments in DNA technology, archaeology and linguistics, and the role of traditional ideas passed orally in helping to decode the past.

Any recommended reading will be advised by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a computer or other device with internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Discuss who the various peoples or tribal confederations of Early Scotland were
• Analyse critically how their societies had developed over time, and how their inter-relationships led to the formation of the Kingdom of the Scots, known as Scotland
• Assess some of the primary sources and evidence related to this time.

This course is for anyone interested in Scotland’s past, and in discussing historical and archaeological evidence.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support.

No prior experience is required.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course start date, unless the course is full or cancelled.