Public History and Heritage, MA

Use the Past, to Inform your Future

Students in Singleton Park

Course Overview

The MA in Public History and Heritage is a flexible master’s programme designed to offer academic training for those interested in research careers, and the relevant skills needed to enter roles in the heritage or related sectors. It is also well suited to those looking to proceed to doctoral level study before entering the sector in a higher-level curatorial role.

A range of stimulating modules include themes covering the understanding of galleries, libraries, archives and museums, conflict heritage, medieval manuscripts, and contemporary history. The flexible nature means the programme can be tailor-made to suit your individual interests (for example, a focus on Ancient Greece and Rome, or a focus on contemporary local history).

Throughout your studies, you will be encouraged to build your analytical and methodological awareness of key concepts and approaches to communicating the past to different public audiences. You will also learn more about the history of heritage, and the lively role of public history and heritage within global debates.

The programme proceeds in a logical fashion, progressing from theoretical classroom-based discussion of heritage and public history through to the practical application of this knowledge in the workplace environment. 

A key aspect of the programme is the opportunity for you to engage both with external heritage organisations, and with staff projects in heritage and public history, enabling you to gain practical, hands-on experience in relevant settings.

Why Public History and Heritage at Swansea?

You will study on our stunning Singleton Park Campus, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula. The campus has a botanical garden and several historic buildings including Singleton Abbey, a Grade II 19th century mansion. The programme works closely with the University’s archives and collections including the world-renowned Egypt Centre, the South Wales Miners’ Library, the University art collections, and the Richard Burton Archives

We also offer postgraduate training to enhance academic and professional development, and facilitate seminar programmes, workshops, and international conferences through our research centres; CHART (the Centre for Heritage Research and Training), OLCAP (the Research Group for Object and Landscape Centred Approaches to the Past), and KYKNOS (the Centre for Research on the Narrative Literatures of the Ancient World).

You’ll be joining a leading department, with renowned research and expertise:

  • 100% of our Research Impact is Rated as World-leading or Internationally Excellent (REF 2021)

Your Public History and Heritage Experience

To begin with, you will study three 20-credit modules (two compulsory, one optional), specifically designed to develop your understanding of heritage and public history. You will then study a further three 20-credit modules (two compulsory, one optional), before undertaking a 60-credit dissertation project. This independent learning component allows you to conduct in-depth research, while guided by expert faculty, enabling you to build advanced research skills. You will have the option of completing either a written dissertation (appropriate for doctoral preparation), or a practice-based option aimed primarily at those looking to proceed straight into employment.

You will benefit from having access to expert-led teaching; learning from leading scholars who are known for their research into heritage and public history. Your studies will be flexible, enabling you to build skills and knowledge across a range of themes and subjects, with the ability to select modules from our other specialist MAs – resulting in a range of optional module choices that empower you to shape your own learning. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a History and Heritage study trip, experiencing the past in its place, and adding valuable contextual experience to your studies, with possible destinations including Greece, Italy or Poland.

You can build valuable workplace experience throughout the programme, readying you for your future career, with a variety of workplace opportunities available. These include taking a designated module that guarantees you a work placement, either internally or with an external provider. This option enables you to gain 100 hours of practical experience working with a heritage organisation or project in a graduate-level role. 

Placements may involve the acquisition of skills in museum work, community projects, heritage interpretation or policy. Your learning from this work will be contextualised with two hour-long group seminars, and up to two hours in total of individual tutorials, leading to you preparing an extended essay reflecting on your experience in the context of literature on heritage and public history.

There is also an option to take an extended MA with a semester spent studying abroad, delivered in partnership with Appalachian State University.

Public History and Heritage Employment Opportunities

This course will develop your employability by connecting you with external heritage organisations. You will develop an excellent understanding of different types of careers in the heritage sector and learn to present your ideas in different formats. Strong research, communication and problem-solving skills will all boost your employment prospects.

This degree will equip graduates to move into a range of graduate-level roles, including:

  • The heritage industry including museums, libraries and archives, doctoral training for curatorial roles in the heritage industry, independent heritage practice (e.g. as a freelance historical interpreter), policy roles in the broad area of culture and leisure, and a wide variety of roles drawing on advanced critical thinking skills plus practical workplace experience (e.g. in events management)

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Meet Our Graduates

Selfie of Rebecca

Rebecca Johnson

"I have really enjoyed the whole Public History and Heritage degree programme and all of the modules this year. The staff have been so friendly and supportive throughout it, ensuring that I got the most out of my programme! The degree and experience have definitely made me realise that public history is what I want to go into with my career!"

Dan Clarke-Irons

"I chose a Public History and Heritage MA at Swansea University as I was keen to find heritage work. From the start to the finish the course was enjoyable and fascinating and I gained employability skills. The work placement module helped to develop my confidence and skills, but also provided me with the contacts that ultimately led me to full-time employment with Black Mountains Archaeology Ltd. I would highly recommend the course to anyone interested in finding work in the heritage sector."

A photo of Dan on site
Selfie of Rachel

Rachel Taylor

"I had a fantastic experience studying for the MA in Public History and Heritage. My learning on the course has helped me to secure a job in the heritage sector and has given me a solid foundation which I can rely on in my professional role. I felt well supported and enjoyed the course very much. I would have no hesitation in recommending the programme to anyone wishing to study in this field."