Masters Degree Description
This innovative course develops the core attributes of today’s public historian through a flexible toolkit that includes research and communication skills, cultural competency and empathy.
About this course
At Newcastle, you’ll be taught by an international team of experts from Australia, the US and the UK. Our guest lecturers are leading practitioners in our local and global networks.
You’ll develop the core skills to become a successful public historian. These include project planning, collaborative ways of working, and flexible communication skills. You’ll gain a solid grounding in key theoretical and analytical frameworks, as well as public practices.
You’ll spend a third of your time working on a guided public history project. This could involve working alongside practitioners in the popular history field. This may include:
- freelance public historians
- cultural organisations
- charities
- archivists
- publishers
- TV and radio producers.
This MA Public History is for you if you want to:
- shape public understanding of the past
- think globally about history
- learn how the past impacts on the present.
You’ll be suitable if you’re:
- a History graduate wishing to further develop your skills ahead of a career in the history industry
- a graduate of a related subject with a keen interest in building knowledge and practical skills in public history
- currently working or volunteering in the history industry and wishing to further develop your skills to enhance your career.
What you’ll learn
You’ll gain high-level understanding of the ways public historians approach history. You’ll learn from leading international public historians about how their work intervenes in contemporary debates and policy. You’ll also gain practical skills in designing and carrying out public history projects.
Your first semester of our MA Public History will be spent building a strong foundation in research methods. We’ll also introduce you to key concepts in global public history, project planning skills, and digital skills.
Your second semester will focus on engaging with diverse audiences. A week-long study school at Eastertime will introduce you to industry contacts from the North East and beyond. Through this you’ll gain important experiences of working collaboratively with institutions and communities. You’ll also develop advanced skills in oral history research and presentation.
Finally, you’ll design an original public history project, supported by a practitioner-mentor and academic supervisor. You’ll demonstrate your ability to undertake independent research, work collaboratively with partners and deliver project outcomes.
Entry Requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in history or a related subject such as:
- human and cultural geography
- English
- heritage studies
- media studies
Applicants with non-standard qualifications and/or an appropriate level of professional or voluntary experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.
English Language Requirements:
To study this course you need to meet our Band 5 English Language Requirements.
Pre-sessional English Language courses are not accepted as an alternative entry to this course.
Study Details: