The History of Scottish Design in Six Objects

Entry requirements

This course is designed for applicants who have a good level of English. If English is not your first language and you are uncertain what this means, please refer to the global CEFR scale. We would look for applicants to be at B2 level. This self-evaluation PDF may help you understand if you are at the B2 level.

Months of entry

January, April, July, October

Course content

In partnership with V&A Dundee, discover the Scottish Design Gallery by exploring the fascinating history of the objects on display.

This course, in partnership with V&A Dundee, takes a deeper look at the Scottish Design Gallery to explore the history of Scottish design and how it has shaped the world, and how the world has shaped Scotland.

During this course you will explore the works of Robert Gardine, Robert Adam, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Muirhead Bone, and Vivienne Westwood, as well as V&A Dundee itself. From the 17th Century to the present day, explore each object in the context of the Scotland it created and the impact it has had in guiding Scottish design in the future.

Learn from academics from the University of St Andrews and curators from V&A Dundee as they showcase the treasures of the Scottish Design Gallery.

From oak to marble, silver to tweed, and print to plastic, discover the fascinating stories behind each object’s origin and place them in the context of their time.

Who is this course for?

This course is for art learners and enthusiasts. It is ideal for those wanting a deeper understanding of Scottish design across various mediums and are passionate about the context of gallery collections. 

Teaching format

In each topic, we'll unravel these themes through a blend of expert lectures from academics and curators, interactive discussions, and quizzes. This course is designed to give participants a stronger appreciation of Scottish design, offering valuable insights for those looking to understand the history of Scotland in the world.

Fees and funding