MA Heritage Studies

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 options units covering distinctive topic areas such as:

digital heritage;
curating and engagement;
natural heritage landscapes;
historic houses;
heritage and sustainable development;
global heritage policy;
heritage and learning;
intangible cultural heritage;
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.