A unique place to live and study
Uist is more than just birdwatching and beaches – it’s a vibrant place teeming with life, activity, and culture.
A Gaelic speaking community with a rich tradition in music, language and the arts, Uist offers a truly inspiring environment. It’s a place where culture, creativity and community come together to create a unique and enriching learning experience.
Uist provides a wider range of learning opportunities – from courses in music, dance, art and Gaelic language, to online further and higher education qualifications up to postgraduate level.
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Liam Crouse
PhD student and local firefighter Liam moved to Uist from Rhode Island, USA, to immerse himself in the Gaelic language.
“Gaelic is a living language here and it is one of the few places left in the world where it's spoken by the community.”
Discover our centres
Taigh Chearsabhagh
Study art at Taigh Chearsabhagh, North Uist, with access to a professional studio space, gallery, print workshop and darkroom. Courses include:
- Art and Design: Figure and Life Drawing and Printmaking (SCQF Level 6)
- NC Art and Design (Creative Industries)
- BA (Hons) Fine Art
Find out more about Taigh Chearsabhagh, Museum and Arts Centre and their upcoming events and exhibitions.
Cnoc Soilleir
Study at Cnoc Soilleir, South Uist, a purpose-built facility featuring a dance studio, state-of-the-art recording studio, spacious performance area, dedicated practice rooms, IT suite and library. A 200-seater auditorium is also under construction. Courses include:
- HNC Music which provides a progression route through to BA (Hons) Applied Music and MA Music and the Environment
- CPD Archaeology and Local Studies - study on campus with the archaeology team
- A range of Archaeology degrees – delivered online by our research-active archaeology team from Cnoc Soilleir
- Find out more about classes, events and the summer school run by Ceòlas.
- Learning opportunities through Cothrom.
Benbecula
Located in the heart of the Outer Hebrides, our Benbecula centre is a vibrant community hub for learners. With modern classrooms, a fully equipped IT suite, and flexible learning spaces, it’s the perfect place to focus, catch up on studies, or join online classes in a supportive environment. The centre welcomes students from our:
- Senior phase courses
- Short courses, including Gaelic and Maritime subject areas
- A wide range of online virtual classroom courses – from access level to postgraduate.
Study online from Uist
+ Flexible learning, local support
We offer a wide range of online qualifications – from NC to HNC and HND, through to degree and postgraduate level, with personalised support from friendly and knowledgeable staff based in our Uist centres.
With flexible study options and in-person guidance when you need it, you can build your skills and earn a qualification that opens doors – all while staying rooted in your community.
Chloe Steele
South Uist teacher, piper and Gaelic singer. Chloe studied BA (Hons) Applied Music and PGDE Primary (Gaelic) in Uist.
“The music in Uist is a huge part of life here and the community is so welcoming and supportive.”
Leo Jackson-Horn
NC Art and Design student
“There’s so much that goes on here – events, get togethers, poetry, music, art. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly.”
Uist Music Scholarship
To support students drawn to Uist and its unique setting, the Uist Music Scholarship 2025 is open to applicants from outside the islands who wish to study traditional music at Cnoc Soilleir in South Uist. This scholarship offers the chance to live, learn, and create within one of Scotland’s most inspiring cultural communities.
Other scholarships available:
Gaelic Culture
As a Gaelic-speaking community, Uist offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and its rich cultural heritage. Whether you're a complete beginner or already fluent, we offer a variety of Gaelic short courses, available online and on campus in Benbecula from September.
We also offer a range of Gaelic degree programmes, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and skills in the language and culture.
Our partners, Ceòlas Uibhist and e-Sgoil, also deliver a range of Gaelic courses throughout the year.
Life in Uist
Enjoy lively community gatherings, traditional Gaelic music nights, and ceilidhs held throughout the year. The island is home to a vibrant calendar of events, from seasonal food festivals to art exhibitions that celebrate local creativity.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Uist offers endless opportunities, from scenic coastal walks and wildlife spotting to unforgettable sunsets and island adventures.
Discover more about life on Uist and the opportunities available to residents by visiting Uist Beò.
Accommodation in Uist
There are a variety of accommodation options across Uist, ranging from bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodation to local house rentals.
Whether you're based at one of our campuses or studying online from the islands, our staff can help you explore what's available.
Learn in Uist is supported by the Scottish Government's Addressing Depopulation Plan fund, managed by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar as part of the wider Uist Repopulation Zone effort.
