The History of Scottish Design in Six Objects

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

Register your interest Book now

Image details

Overview

Course Details

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 prerecorded lectures from academics and curators, interactive discussions, curated readings, 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.

The History of Scottish Design in Six Objects takes 50 learning hours to complete fully. This course is designed to be a self-paced experience, with pre-recorded videos, selected readings, and asynchronous discussion forums, which you can take in your own time around your schedule.  All the content for this course is available from the start of the course and can be accessed at any time before the course end. 

Certificate

If you successfully complete the course you will receive a Certificate of Completion and a digital badge from the University of St Andrews. 

Course dates

Start date:
Monday 6 October 2025
End date:
Sunday 30 November 2025
Cost:
£150
Duration:
55 days

Course teachers