MA Heritage Theory and Practice

MA Heritage Theory and Practice students have gone on to careers with heritage organisations and museums including English Heritage, Cornish Museums, the National Trust and The Box.

MA Heritage is also a popular part-time choice for people already working within the heritage sector as part of their professional development.

• Study Heritage with the University of Plymouth and work on ‘live’ projects with one of our heritage partners including English Heritage, National Trust, Dartmoor National Park, Powderham Castle, The Museum of Cornish Life and The Box.
• Explore the connections between theory and practice in contemporary issues such as equality, diversity and inclusion; climate change; and, health and wellbeing.
• Be part of the team of Plymouth Heritage Praxis, the University of Plymouth’s heritage engagement unit.
• Be taught contemporary heritage practice by heritage professionals from organisations including the National Trust, the V&A, National Heritage Lottery Fund and Dartmoor National Park.
• Explore the emerging field of digital heritage, producing your own online content for our 'Digital History Project'.
• Choose to produce your own heritage project instead of a traditional dissertation.
• Participate in an internship with one of our national and regional heritage partners.

• Year 1

• You can study MA Heritage Theory and Practice full-time over one year or part-time over two years.

  Across your degree you will take three core modules, one option module and the dissertation module.

  The core modules are Critical Heritage, Heritage Practice and Public History and Heritage.

  The option modules are Display and Interpretation or Remembering the Past.

  Note: part-time students will take the core modules Critical Heritage and Heritage Practice in their first year.

  Your degree culminates in an independently researched MA dissertation. Or, instead of a dissertation you can choose to develop your own heritage project.

  Core modules

  • Public History (MAHI701)

    This work-facing module examines the theory and practice of how the past is presented to public audiences. Students will explore, through site-based case studies and written projects, the creation, nature, use and understanding of various forms of public history, for example those associated with heritage and museums, oral history, film and 'popular' historical writing.

  • MA History Dissertation (MAHI702)

    In this module students complete a dissertation on an aspect of history of their own choosing. The topic is negotiated between students and teaching staff, who provide tutorial support and advice about all aspects of the project from initiation to completion.

  • Critical Heritage (MAHI735)

    This module examines contemporary concepts, approaches and ideas in the field of Heritage Studies and how they relate to the discipline of History and to heritage practice. It challenges students to connect a range of ideas, ideologies and perspectives to our understanding and engagement with the work of heritage sites, museums and organisations.

  • Heritage Practice (MAHI736)

    This module examines contemporary practices in the heritage sector. It challenges students to connect practical methods and procedures in heritage interpretation, curation, heritage asset management, visitor experience and community engagement.to contemporary themes, ideas and perspectives through 'live' project work.

  Optional modules

  • Display and Interpretation (MAHI737)

    This module develops a critical understanding of how heritage organisations address their public role through displays and interpretation opportunities. Students will gain understanding about audiences and audience needs and perspectives and develop hands-on experience of a range of contemporary museum, historic site and archive museum practices including curating an exhibition, development of partnerships and collaborations, education, outreach and learning objectives, management and care of assets within an exhibition, marketing, evaluation and capturing data from audiences to support sustainability and legacy.

  • Remembering the Past, Talking History: Oral History & Memory Studies (MAHI738)

    This module is designed to develop an intermediate-to-advanced level of critical theoretical, historiographical, and methodological knowledge in oral history, ‘talking’/reflective history approaches, and memory studies. Complementing this knowledge, students will have the option within the module to advance their knowledge and skills following one of two routes: 1. To develop essential practical skills in developing, planning, conducting, and critically/analytically processing real-world oral history research projects relating to their programme of study; OR 2. To explore scholarly topics of historical interest relating to their programme of study using oral history, memory studies, and/or other ‘talking’/reflective history approaches. This choice will enable students to acquire methodological competence and critical scholarly proficiency in ways that match their specific research identities and interests.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MA Heritage Theory and Practice Programme Specification 6940

An honours degree in heritage, history or a related subject, or a professional qualification recognised as being equivalent to a degree. 

Or an ordinary degree, foundation degree, higher national diploma or university diploma, accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field. References from previous university, employer or similar.

We are happy to chat to prospective applicants about their qualifications and suitability for this programme – so please do get in touch. 

If you possess overseas qualifications you can check their comparability with the UK equivalent through Ecctis who provide an advisory service. International students: IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element).

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full. 

Before you apply

• evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  
• evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  
• a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  
• your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  
• proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
  

Disability services

If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services website. 

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced by downloading our Student Admissions Policy Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.