[en] High spin states in light nuclei often have a simple structure and can be readily identified by comparison with nuclear model predictions. In the (sd) shell, such states are being studied at Oxford as resonances in the radiative capture of alpha particles using a cryo-pumped gas target, and in heavy ion transfer reactions at 10 MeV/nucleon using for example, ion beams of ¹²C, ¹³C, ¹⁶O and ¹⁸O. The two approaches give different and often complimentary information about the wave functions of the excited states. Reference will be made to high spin states in ¹⁹F, ²⁰Ne and ²⁴Mg, including a comparison with shell model predictions. (author)