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Cultural Heritage Studies (Heritage & Public History) MA

University of Southampton

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University of Southampton

Course options

  • Qualification

    MA - Master of Arts

  • Location

    Avenue Campus

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    28-SEP-26

  • Duration

    1 Year

Course summary

This is a specialised pathway within the MA Cultural Heritage Studies program with a particular focus on the differences between academic and public history. It explores in depth how history is communicated to a non-academic audience by various institutions. The core module, 'Public History', engages with how this practice is carried out across the heritage and education sectors, considering the societal roles and challenges associated with producing and sharing historical narratives at museums and other heritage sites. We're ranked 7th for archaeology and 3rd for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026). Your future career You will acquire the expertise for a successful career in the heritage and tourism sector, or for further study at the PhD level. The program develops specific research and practical skills relevant to cultural heritage, including the ability to apply detailed theoretical, ethical, and legislative frameworks to the field. Key features of this course Public History Specialism: Core focus on how history is presented to non-academic audiences. Industry Exposure: Gain essential experience through field trips, meeting industry practitioners, and the opportunity to apply for a work placement with one of the University's heritage partners. Flexible Final Project: You can choose to complete either a 20,000-word dissertation or a professional project (such as an exhibition, catalogue, professional report, or guidebook) with a shorter critical commentary (5,000 to 15,000 words). Further information This master's course is a full-time 12-month program. The course is taught through a mix of lectures, seminars, field trips, and project work. You will also study the common core module, 'Global Cultural Heritage', which takes a global perspective and deals with both tangible and intangible heritage (e.g., traditional knowledge and customs).

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 26,200per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

  • University League Table

    17th

  • Campus address

    University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom

VIEW PROFILE
Southampton is proud of its inclusive international community, welcoming over 10,000 students from more than 130 countries.
Southampton is a truly global university. It has 350+ student-led clubs and societies, which provide great opportunities to build intercultural skills.
Specialist careers support and 400+ paid internships and work experience opportunities prepare international students for their future in the global job market.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    History

    17th out of 90 5

    16th out of 101 4

  • Entry standards

    / Max 204
    152 74%

    21st

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    74.0 74%

    23rd

    5

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.14 79%

    59th

    17

  • Entry standards

    / Max 210
    147 70%

    19th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    69.0 69%

    20th

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    2.99 75%

    78th

    8

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