Victorian Edinburgh

This course takes place at the inspirational National Museum of Scotland where you will examine the formative Victorian period of Edinburgh’s history, using the objects housed at the museum to bring the classes and discussion to life.  

You will assess the complex challenges and changes of the period 1837 – 1901 and look at examples of the economic, social and political context in which Edinburgh’s residents lived. You will consider their responses to the most important Scottish, British and international events and look at Edinburgh’s rise to prominence, with the celebration of universities, printing, and memorialising of cultural heroes. We will also consider the visits of Queen Victoria herself.

Any further essential or recommended reading will be shared by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run.  

You will require access to a device with an 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:  

• Assess the complex nature of the Victorian period in Edinburgh, including its economic, social and political and cultural history;
• Place Edinburgh’s Victorian history in the broader context of Scotland, Britain and Europe at the time;
• Analyse the rich array of primary sources for nineteenth-century Scotland. 

No previous experience is required.

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. 

This course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.  

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.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date.