Short Courses with the University of Edinburgh

Explore our collections with expert tutors on a University of Edinburgh Short Course hosted at the National Museum of Scotland.

The Centre for Open Learning is part of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. Alongside other programmes, they run Lifelong Learning courses. These courses can be online, on their campus, or at other locations. 

No prior knowledge is required to book a course.

Looking at Sculpture

Dates: 1 Oct - 29 Oct 2026, every Thursday, 14:00 - 15:30

Location: Various galleries, National Museum of Scotland

This 5-week course follows major sculptural periods and styles, using collections at the National Museum of Scotland as inspiration. You will develop your knowledge of the materials and methods of construction which underpin the creative process.   

This course will be led by artist and tutor Karen Clulow BA MA FSA Scot. Booking opens in July 2026. 

Victorian Edinburgh

Dates: 1 Oct - 17 Dec 2026, every Thursday, 11:00 - 13:00

Location: Learning Centre, National Museum of Scotland

This 10-week course considers the complex challenges and changes in the period 1837–1901 within Edinburgh. It examines examples of the economic, social and political context in which the people of Edinburgh lived, and assesses their responses to the most important Scottish, British and international events.  

This course will be led by tutor Helen Rapport PGCE, M.A., PhD. Booking opens Jul 2026. 

Georgian Scotland  

Dates: 14 Jan - 25 Mar 2027, every Thursday, 11:00 - 13:00

Location: Learning Centre, National Museum of Scotland

This 10-week course explores Scotland’s great changes and developments between 1714–1815. It covers the Enlightenment and the growth of universities, trade, transportation and industry. It also covers the impact of Jacobite rebellions and events overseas, from France and Spain to the American colonies.  

This course will be led by tutor Helen Rapport PGCE, M.A., PhD. Booking opens in November 2026. 

Discovering the National Collections: Jewellery from Antiquity to Present Day  

Dates: 25 Jan - 25 Feb 2027, every Thursday, 14:00 - 15:30

Location: Various galleries, National Museum of Scotland 

This 5-week course examines how trade pushed the boundaries of jewellery-making around the world. Using collections from the Natural Museum of Scotland, you will learn about the cultural values and symbols of the ancient and the modern worlds. 

This course will be led by artist and tutor Karen Clulow BA MA FSA Scot. Booking opens in November 2026. 

Victorian Scotland  

Dates:  22 Apr - 1 Jul 2027, every Thursday, 11:00 - 13:00 

Location: Learning Centre, National Museum of Scotland

This 10-week course uses selected items from the museum’s collections as the basis for studying Victorian Scotland. Using a different historical object each week, students will consider the political, economic, industrial, imperial, cultural and social history of Scotland in this period of enormous change and creativity.  

This course will be led by tutor Helen Rapport PGCE, M.A., PhD. Booking opens in February 2027. 

The History and Culture of Colour  

Dates: 24 Apr - 20 May 2027, every Thursday, 14:00 - 15:30

Location: Various galleries, National Museum of Scotland 

In this 5-week course you will explore artifacts in the museum’s remarkable collections. Uncover stories linking the history of colour with culture, society and art. 

This course will be led by artist and tutor Karen Clulow BA MA FSA Scot. Booking opens in February 2027. 

Colour in Science and Nature  

Dates: 27 May - 24 Jun 2027, every Thursday, 14:00 - 15:30

Location: Various galleries, National Museum of Scotland 

This 5-week course uses selected items from the museum’s collections as the basis for discovering how colours found in nature have historically inspired creative individuals and continue to do so today. 

This course will be led by artist and tutor Karen Clulow BA MA FSA Scot. Booking opens in February 2027. 

Romance and Reality

Dates: Fri 28 May 2027, 10:30 - 16:30

Location: Learning Centre, National Museum of Scotland

This one-day course explores the Romantic images of Scotland formed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Discuss the influence of art, literature, transport and tourism on the Romantic image of Scotland.  

This course is will be led by tutor Helen Rapport PGCE, M.A., PhD. Booking opens in February 2027.

Accessibility and facilities

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.  

Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Scotland. 

Get in touch

For any accessibilty requirements or questions about courses, please contact the Centre for Open Learning COL@ed.ac.uk.