MA Public History and Heritage

Course description

• Develop both intellectual and professional skills for leadership roles in the public history, heritage and cultural industries
• Study in a historic city and county, surrounded by visitor attractions including country houses, museums and industrial archaeology
• Gain practical experience of the heritage industry, with work-based consultancies to enhance your employability
• Build your networks and undertake fascinating real-world projects, drawing on our links with local, national and international heritage organisations
• Explore public history and heritage at a global level, underpinned by our partnerships with universities overseas
• Be inspired by our dedicated, enthusiastic teaching team, including historians who are published experts in their field and heritage professionals with vast industry experience

How you'll be assessed

Assessments will help you develop a wide range of research, critical thinking and presentational skills which are flexible and adaptable for a varied global market.

For instance, in the Politics of History module, you will produce a ‘policy paper’ to present historical research in a format suitable to inform policy makers. Meanwhile, the Understanding Audiences and Audience Development module involves conducting audience research and evaluating actual data, working within a real heritage setting.

Careers

MA Public History and Heritage graduates typically go on to pursue a wide range of careers in roles such as museum curator, archive professional, heritage educator and academic researcher.

Because the MA combines practical work experience with a masters level dissertation based on thorough academic research, you will have a broad and flexible portfolio of skills to impress potential employers.

This course could also be the springboard for taking your studies to PhD level. The abilities you gain in independent learning, research and communication on the MA will prepare you well for the challenge.