Study Details: MA 1 year full-time,
2 years part-time
History is all around us. The way we understand and interpret the past impacts our identities, shapes the present and informs the future. Our interdisciplinary degree in Public History is an opportunity to explore the role of history in society, gaining hands-on experience in the heritage sector alongside cutting edge academic training.
You'll study global perspectives on the relationship between the past and the public and evaluate their impact on modern day societies. You'll explore the role of museums and other heritage institutions, and consider the public history work of curators, archivists, and historians. At the same time, you'll analyse how engagement with history has evolved with new types of media, from film and TV to social media and virtual reality. You'll also undertake a valuable placement in order to tackle your own public history project, developing important skills in practice.
This MA is offered through History in conjunction with the Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past (IPUP).
2:2 or equivalent in History or a relevant subject.
We would consider a 2:2 but our decision would depend on the whole application including the quality of the written work submitted.
For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more
While completing your MA, you will gain essential skills in research, presentation and analysis. These skills are invaluable for progressing to a PhD and for a diverse range of careers, including within the heritage sector.
Core modules
Concepts and Approaches in Public History
Research Training
Public History Placement
Option modules:
You will also study two option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.
Smell and the Past
Colonialism in China
The Organisation of Crime Since 1600
Mending the Past: History & the Politics of Guilt and Reparation
Public Histories in Practice
Oral History Methods
Creating the American Empire
Trans-Asian Trade along the Silk Roads
Goods, Ideas and People: Modern Latin America from a Global Perspective
The Department of Archaeology also offer a variety of option modules which may be available to Public History students, subject to availability. Examples of recent modules offered include:
Contemporary Issues in Museums
Museums, Audiences and Interpretation
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
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