Postgraduate taught programme
MA
Heritage Theory and Practice
This pioneering one-year master's programme blends critical heritage with practice-based industry experience. Updated each year to equip you with current skills and insights for launching or developing a successful career in heritage and museums.About
Welcome to MA Heritage Theory and Practice. Surrounded by Devon's rich coastal heritage, historic landscapes, museums and historic sites - including three major National Trust properties - Plymouth is a great place to study this subject. Taught at The Box and Saltram House, our aim is to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where we can bring together the latest ideas in heritage theory with the most recent contemporary practices in heritage management, to give you the best possible grounding for a professional career in heritage and museums. We also offer a 10% discount for staff and volunteers working in the heritage and museums sector.
Professor Daniel Maudlin
Professor
Hands‑on practice with the National Trust
Each year, students work on a new ‘live’ heritage project at Saltram House, the eighteenth‑century home of the Parker family on the edge of Plymouth. The annual project theme is set by Saltram’s staff, and your work – delivered to the Trust at the end of the project – directly supports the ongoing development of this nationally significant property.
Choose your study path
At the end of your master’s degree, you can choose to complete either a dissertation or a capstone project. A capstone project gives you the opportunity to design and deliver your own heritage or museums project in partnership with an external organisation. This can be with an organisation you already know, or we can work with you to set up a project with one of our established partners.
New training in heritage leadership
Recent consultation with our heritage industry partners has highlighted project management and leadership as key skills gaps among Heritage and Museum Studies graduates. In response, we are introducing a new optional module: Leading Change, People and Projects, delivered by Plymouth Business School.
Details
Programme overview
Our programme is designed to suit you. You can study for a masters degree full-time over one year or part-time over two years. You can also choose to take four taught modules (no dissertation) and qualify with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
Through the programme you will be introduced to key issues facing heritage today from diversity and inclusion to climate change, health and wellbeing, and the politics of culture wars. Together, we will think about how those issues inform present day industry practices, including exhibition planning and interpretation, visitor experience, community engagement, digital heritage and project management. Through hands-on projects you will gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to implement those ideas at museums and heritage sites.
Our unique 'Capstone Project' offers you the opportunity to design and deliver your own heritage project. Previous projects have ranged from museum exhibitions to social media takeovers, heritage trails, archive catalogues, schools’ packs and digital media products for partners, including Bodmin Keep, the Box, Dartmoor National Park, Museum of Cornish Life, National Trust, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, Powderham Castle, Topsham Museum, St Mary’s Totnes and Shadowtor Studios.
Core modules
MAHI702
MA History Dissertation
60 credits
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.
100% Coursework
MAHI735
Critical Heritage
30 credits
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.
100% Coursework
MAHI736
Heritage Practice
30 credits
This module examines contemporary practices in the heritage sector. It challenges students to connect practical methods and procedures in her heritage interpretation, curation, heritage asset management, visitor experience and community engagement.to contemporary themes, ideas and perspectives through 'live' project work.
100% Coursework
MAHI737
Display and Interpretation
30 credits
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.
100% Coursework
Optional modules
MAHI701
Public History
30 credits
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.
100% Coursework
HRL7007
Leading Change, People and Projects
This module will examine the complexities of leading change, people and projects within organisations. Effective and responsible leadership, particularly in times of uncertainty and change is core to success and sustainability of organisations and the world. Through an exploration of both relevant theory and practice, the module enables students to develop a critical understanding of the complexities and contested nature of leadership and management and the opportunities for leading change and developing people. The module provides insights and practical knowledge through the acquisition and application of tools to enable students to lead successful projects.
The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
Careers, industry and research
We prepare students for professional careers across the museums and heritage sector. The programme is suitable for anyone with a good undergraduate degree or equivalent industry experience. Many students choose to join us directly after their degree, while others study part‑time to support their ongoing professional development within the heritage field.
Our graduates have gone on to careers with heritage organisations and museums including Bodmin Keep, English Heritage, Cornish Museums, Liskeard Museum, Jarrow Heritage Centre, The Story of Emily, Torquay Museum, the National Trust and The Box.
Graduates have also gone to postgraduate research, including our named doctorate
PhD Heritage
. Current postgraduate research projects include studies on the impact of climate change on coastal heritage sites, the legacies of Nazi heritage sites, and community heritage.
I had a wonderful experience studying my MA in Heritage Theory and Practice at Plymouth, and my time on the course certainly shaped the direction of my career. The course supported me in developing my understanding of the theoretical underpinning of heritage practice and gave me crucial opportunities to put that theory into practice through practical fieldwork, including working on real-world projects with national organisations such as the National Trust and Historic England.
Alongside my studies, I secured an internship with The Box through the University. These experiences and opportunities through the course affirmed that I wanted to work in the heritage sector and laid the foundation for where I am now as a PhD researcher.
Samantha Southern, graduate
Our industry partners
Dartmoor National Park
Historic England
National Trust
Powderham Castle
The Box, Plymouth
Digital Heritage projects
Hannah Stone:
X campaign on 17th century 'Kardashian' Hortense Mancini
Jodie Walsh:
history student goes to the movies blog
Research at Powderham Castle
Professor Daniel Maudlin takes you on a short tour around the history of Powderham Castle, sharing some of the discoveries made by staff and students at the University of Plymouth and University of Pennsylvania.
Dr Alan Butler explains his research into LGBT heritage at Powderham castle. "It’s so very exciting to find archival materials that apply to LGBT people in the past."
Modern facilities: based at The Box
Our seminars are taught in the Foulston Room, a dedicated study space at The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum, archives and cotemporary art gallery.
Meet your expert teaching staff
Professor Daniel Maudlin
Professor
Professor James Daybell
Associate Dean (Research)
Dr James Gregory
Associate Professor of Modern British History
Postgraduate student life
Postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth is about more than just getting a qualification — it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options — including part-time and January start dates — you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Plymouth offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.
Joyita
MSc Advanced Psychology
MSc Advanced Psychology
Your Plymouth community
At the University of Plymouth, you get the same access to support, sports, and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Plymouth community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer — get involved, stay connected, and make the most of your time here.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£10,000 per year
£10,000 per year
Part-time study
£560 per 10 credits
£560 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
Fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£18,700 per year
£18,700 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Fund your studies
As a postgraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including postgraduate masters loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Heritage and museum sector discount
We are pleased to offer a 10% discount on home fees to those currently working in the heritage/museum sector (including volunteers) to study on our MA Heritage Theory and Practice programme.*
*Only one discount may be applied against fees for this programme.
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
- 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)
You may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
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 – please get in touch if you have any questions.
Extended entry requirements
- a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element).
English language requirements - evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- 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.
Ready to apply?
After you 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 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.
Duration
1 year
Course type
Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
Extended entry requirements
- a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element).
English language requirements - 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
- 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.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course directly through the University of Plymouth or
through an agent
in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- Student visa support
- Travel and arrival information
- and more
After you 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.
Duration
1 year
Course type
Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening
Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
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