Study Creative Courses in Shetland

UHI Shetland, in partnership with Shetland Arts, offer a range of music, audio and film courses, from part time courses for school pupils through to BA (Hons) degrees.

"We are very proud of Shetland Arts' partnership with UHI Shetland and the courses we have developed together. The courses are perfect for anyone looking to develop their skills in the film, music and wider creative industries, to progress to further studies, or simply find out more about a subject that interests them. Previous students have included working professionals, school leavers, students taking a year out before university, and people looking to develop their hobbies in a structured way." - Bryan Peterson, Outreach and Learning Lead at Shetland Arts

Courses can be studied full or part time, and degree courses utilise several flexible study methods.

Music & Audio

HNC Music
Want a career in popular or traditional music performance?
Next start date - August/September 2025
Length of course - 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
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BA Hons Applied Music
Do you want to study music in your home region, in any genre or style, and prepare yourself for the music industry of the future? If so, then this BA (Hons) Applied Music course has been designed for you.
Next start date - August/September 2025
Length of course - 4 Years (Full-time) or 8 Years (Part-time)
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MA Music & Environment
The MA Music and the Environment provides a foundation for musicians to develop new paths for creative, entrepreneurial and environmentally responsible endeavours. In addition, the course equips musicians to work within their own community, establishing effective and successful contributions to their local economy.
Next start date - August/September 2025
Length of Course - 15 Months (Full-time), Minimum 3 years (Part-time, structured) or Maximum 6 years (Part-time, unstructured)
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Film & Visual

NC Creative Industries: Film
This course is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of the working practices of the UK Creative Industries with a focus on video production.
Next start date - August 2025
Length of course - Full Time (1 Year) or Part Time (2 Years)
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BA (Hons) Contemporary Film Making in the Highlands and Islands
The BA (Hons) Contemporary Film Making in the Highlands and Islands is designed to allow you to produce creative films using the beautiful and diverse rural landscapes of Scotland.
Next start date - August/September 2025
Length of course - 4 Years (Full-time) or 8 Years (Part-time)
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Skills For Work & Senior Phase

Skills for Work - Enterprise & Employability in the Creative Industries
Delivered by Shetland Arts in Mareel, this course will provide Secondary 3 & 4 pupils with an opportunity to build skills within the arts and creative industries. Working with industry professionals, students will get first-hand experience in planning and implementing their own creative projects such as: film productions and screenings; studio-based audio recordings; concerts/exhibitions; and drama productions.
Next start date - January 2026
Length of course - 1.5 Years
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Creative Academy
This course is suitable for Secondary 5 & 6 pupils with an interest in the creative industries or with aspirations to work in sound recording or television production.
Next start date - September 2025
Mode of study - Study in Mareel on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with self-directed study through the week.
Length of course - 1 Year
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Why Choose Shetland Arts' Creative Courses?

At Shetland Arts, you won’t just learn - you'll do. Our creative courses are built around hands-on, practical learning using professional equipment with highly experienced tutors.