Victorian Scotland

This course uses selected items from the National Museum of Scotland’s collections as the basis for studying Victorian Scotland. By considering a particular historical object each week, you will explore the political, economic, industrial, imperial, cultural and social history of Scotland in this period of enormous change and creativity.

You will examine the innovations of the time, products of economy and industry, evidence of growing human voices through trade unionism and suffragettes, objects related to healthcare and education, architecture and housing, and the material legacy of empire.

This course takes place in the National Museum of Scotland, learners should meet at the information desk in the museum. Learners will be required to move between exhibits. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible are there will be portable seats available for learners who would like access to seating as they move around.

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:

• Assess the diverse historical developments of Victorian Scotland in the wider context of Britain and Europe at the time
• Reflect critically on physical objects as historical sources and analyse them in conjunction with written sources
• Analyse the role of museums in their engagement with history and culture

No prior knowledge is required, making this course accessible to all interested in Scotland’s past.

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. 

The 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.

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