Organisation profile

Research and teaching go hand in hand and we are keen to demonstrate to students the breadth of our professional offering.  Not only this, but original research is an integral part of taught degrees with students expected to undertake their own projects as part of their qualifications.

Research into archaeological landscapes

Undertaking research is also an important part of enhancing our researchers’ continuing professional development and is an important part of our college work. Dr Andrew Jennings, of the university's Centre for Nordic Studies is based at UHI Shetland, and college staff have been involved in archaeological landscape research.

Shetland has one of the best-preserved prehistoric landscapes in Britain.

In the North of mainland Shetland, at Islesburgh (near Mavis Grind) Dr Simon Clarke, Head of Heritage, has been investigating the relationship between the Neolithic tomb, settlement and enclosure, and the natural setting.

Research into Rurla Creativity

The Centre for Rural Creativity supports research and knowledge exchange in the creative industries in remote and rural areas, established in 2015 with the support of Shetland Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Creative Scotland. Based at UHI Shetland the Centre undertakes interdisciplinary research and acts as a focal point for the university’s teaching, knowledge exchange and engagement with the creative industries.

Aquaculture and Fisheries Research

At the Marine Centre in Scalloway, applied research and development is conducted in collaboration with industry and other stakeholder partners. Such programmes provide answers to key questions, develop knowledge, technology or best practice to help drive the industries forward.

As part of our mission to support industry development and innovation in Shetland and wider Scotland, we offer a range of commercial services from consultancy to knowledge exchange/commercialisation of research outputs. Our current projects range across the following areas;

• Aquaculture Development
• Fisheries Science
• Marine Planning, Policy and Advice

UHI Shetland brings together staff and resources to offer tertiary education, commercial training and research in Shetland and beyond. All the services and expertise that were offered by Shetland College UHI, NAFC Marine Centre UHI and Train Shetland are now provided by UHI Shetland and there are ambitious plans for expanding provision into new areas in line with Shetland's economic development.