Heritage Studies

University of Manchester
Postgraduate MA Full-time 12 Months HistoryHistory of art

About this course

Our MA Heritage Studies master's course is aimed at students who want to develop their knowledge and practical skills to pursue or develop careers in heritage policy, management, conservation, learning, engagement and enterprise.

Heritage Studies examines the theory and practice of heritage making, management and use in local, national and international contexts. It includes both the practical aspects of conservation and management and a study of social, political and economic dynamics in cultural, archaeological, built and natural heritage.

You will study comprehensive core units on critical heritage studies and key issues and approaches to heritage policy and management, as well as routes into specialisation and professional practice through a wide range of units covering distinctive topic areas such as:

  • digital heritage;

  • curating and engagement;

  • decolonising museums and heritage;

  • heritage and sustainable development;

  • intangible cultural heritage and natural heritage;

  • creative learning;

  • heritage and learning;

  • strategic planning and management of heritage projects and enterprises.

    You will be able to gain intensive work experience and undertake critical reflective practice within a range of heritage organisations across the region and further afield through our long-standing placement scheme.

    This scheme is shared with our sister master's courses in Arts Management, Policy and Practice and Art Gallery and Museum Studies. You can also undertake live project work with students on these sister courses by choosing practice-based course units.

    You will benefit from the expertise of the Institute for Cultural Practices and other specialists in archaeology, art history and history at the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures.

    You will also have access to the University's cultural heritage assets such as Manchester Museum, the John Rylands Library and Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre.

    You can choose from full-time and part-time study options for an MA or PGDip award, as well as standalone course units to support continuing professional development.

    • Study Options

    This course is available in 4 study options:

    Part-time

    Duration: 24 Months

    Qualification: MA

    Location: Manchester

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 12 Months

    Qualification: MA

    Location: Manchester

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 9 Months

    Qualification: PgDip

    Location: Manchester

    Part-time

    Duration: 18 Months

    Qualification: PgDip

    Location: Manchester

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    4135 Library clerks and assistants
    2472 Archivists, conservators and curators
    4214 Company secretaries and administrators
    2471 Librarians
    2115 Social and humanities scientists
    2151 Conservation professionals

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    Avg. Salary

    £25,500

    Course Details

    Qualification
    MA
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    12 Months
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Manchester
    Scheme
    Postgraduate
    Subjects
    History, History of art

    Offered by

    University of Manchester

    Manchester

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