The Elphinstone Institute's MLitt in Ethology and Folklore is one of the few programmes of its kind in the UK, and since I have a young family already settled in Aberdeen, this was the perfect location. Its staff are distinguished in their fields, and the department has a long track record in producing research on the vernacular culture of the region. It also has an unparalleled track record in supporting and celebrating cultural expression in the Northeast through interesting projects and programmes.
I was keen that my learning helped me to make a tangible difference to the people and cultural life of this region, and through learning from those at the Institute, I feel that I am much better able to do that. I do not think I could not have had this experience anywhere else in the UK.
Crucially, the programme gave me the methodological and analytical tools to express and talk about what I had always felt but couldn’t quite articulate – the need to respect, and acknowledge the importance of, vernacular culture as we navigate our way through life. The course highlights how this register of culture is essential to our interpretation of the world and almost everything that humans do.
Each lecture introduced new and fascinating topics and genres of cultural expression; seminars provided valuable spaces to discuss and relate to what we were learning; the field trips enabled us to encounter cultural practitioners and their varied practices, which I found hugely enriching. I studied through both major lockdowns, and I appreciated how the tutors went above and beyond to ensure we could access high-quality learning materials despite the significant challenges.
Although I already work in a cultural organisation (I studied part-time), I can apply the research skills I have learned in many different work contexts. Firstly, learning how to carry out ethnographic research and the theory underpinning it gave me a toolkit that I have been applying across a range of activities, for example, monitoring and evaluation, report writing, grant writing, and more.
Secondly, learning to identify and think deeply about vernacular culture has made visible practices and activities that most organisations would overlook. This ‘lens’ has enabled me, for example, to propose new initiatives and projects that are more culturally relevant to stakeholders than those previously in place. By putting these skills to use, I can say without a doubt that my career prospects have improved.
Apart from a few years living outside the UK, I have always lived in the North-East. It offers lots of interesting experiences and access to great ‘nature spots’. The city is ethnically diverse, making it a vibrant place to be – especially when you are interested in cultural traditions and expressions!
Your educational experience at the Elphinstone Institute will be rich and perspective-changing but, to make best use of the experience, be attentive to the amazing things going on outside the university. For example, the area is bursting with interesting cultural life, but it’s not always easy to see, especially if you are new to the area. Challenge yourself to dig deep: go beyond the official listings and tourist brochures, wander off the beaten track, listen to the local stories, familiarise yourself with the local language, seek out the spontaneous music-making sessions, and, importantly, heed warnings about enormous seagulls.
