MA in Heritage Studies

at University of Manchester

Course unit details

Semester 1
 

All students take the following 30-credit compulsory core units to gain a critical overview of topics and issues relevant to the learning outcomes and aims of this course.
 

Introduction to Critical Heritage Studies (30 credits) - This unit provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary survey of key theories and concepts of heritage studies through weekly lectures, seminars and study visits, as well as study and practical skills training in literature review and heritage interpretation.

Heritage Policy and Management (30 credits) - This unit presents the processes and practices of policy making and heritage management, introducing you to a range of contexts through group fieldwork, critical enquiry, case studies and visiting lectures.

Semester 2
 

Optional units will build on the knowledge and understanding you have gained in Semester 1, and enable you to develop expertise in a particular disciplinary area. You can choose 60 credits of options course units.
 

The work placement option begins during Semester 1 with 15 and 30-credit versions to support student choice from a range of practical and specialist interests.
 

Options courses include (subject to availability):

• Intangible Cultural Heritage (15 credits)
• Heritage, Museums and Conflict (15 credits)
• Decolonising the Museum (15 credits)
• Curating Art (15 credits)
• Producing Digital Projects (15 credits)
• Work Placement (15 or 30 credits)
   

There is also the potential to take an additional course unit (maximum 15 credits) delivered in partnership with other relevant subject areas, subject to availability and approval. For example:

• Producing and Consuming Heritage (15 credits)
• From Cottonopolis to Metropolis: Manchester Communities and Institutions (15 credits)
• Public History: Historians and the Public Sphere (15 credits)
• Filming History: Making Documentary Films for Research (15 credits)
   

Summer
 

MA students only will undertake a 60-credit dissertation of 15,000 words. Those undertaking a practice-based dissertation will submit 8,000-10,000 words plus project documentation.
 

Dissertation research for part-time MA students can be submitted up to 27 months after beginning the course.
 

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
 

Title

• Dissertation
• Introduction to Critical Heritage Studies
• Heritage Policy and Management
• Heritage, Museums & Conflict
• Creative Learning
• Business Strategies for Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
• Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Creative Learning
• Business Strategies for Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
• Curating Art

Academic entry qualification overview

We normally expect students to have a First or Upper Second class honours degree or its overseas equivalent in a humanities-based subject area.
 

English language

An overall grade of 7.0 in IELTS with 7.0 in writing an no skill below 6.5 is required or 100+ in the TOEFL iBT with a minimum writing score of 25 and no skill below 22.

• MA (full-time)
  
  UK students (per annum): £10,500
  
  International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,000

Progression opportunities include work in heritage policy and management roles for national and international organisations, such as the Heritage Lottery, Historic England, the National Trust, and UNESCO. 

Other roles within museums and heritage organisations include fundraising and development, research and consultancy, visitor service management, community learning and engagement, collections management and site management.