Postgraduate Studentships - Search for funding opportunities.
Postgraduate Studentships - Search for funding opportunities.
Study Details: 1 year full-time OR 2 years part-time
MA Public History and Heritage is a dynamic course which combines rigorous historical training with heritage-focussed, hands-on experience. The course offers an opportunity to engage with both the theory and practice of public history. Whether your interests lie in museum curation, historic preservation, public exhibitions, or academic research, this course equips you with the tools to interpret, present and protect the past in ways that resonate with the public.
At the heart of the programme is a commitment to employability and real-world application. All students can have an opportunity to complete a professional placement with one of our established heritage partners, giving you direct access to industry insight and experience. The course also includes carbon literacy training tailored to the museum and heritage industries.
The course embeds the research expertise of staff across the department and is supported by the innovative work of the Manchester Centre for Public Histories and Heritage (MCPHH), which works with local heritage organisations to develop additional opportunities for students, organises public-facing events, and provides a network of contacts for placements and career development.
All modules have been co-designed with external partners and employers to ensure that your learning is both academically robust and professionally relevant. Assessments go beyond traditional essays to include real-world outputs such as exhibitions, catalogues, digital projects, and heritage reports, preparing you for the diverse demands of the sector.
With a curriculum grounded in professional practice, shaped by employer partnerships, and enriched by a strong research culture, this programme offers a route into a wide range of careers. MA Public History and Heritage is ideal for anyone considering a career in heritage management, museums, archives, libraries, tourism, local government, or the broader cultural sector. It also provides excellent preparation for doctoral study or research-focussed careers.
See our website for entry requirements.
See our website for fees.
The course aims to equip you with the skills to progress to higher research programmes or for a career in heritage management or associated fields, such as libraries and archives, tourism or local government. With the analytical and self-expression skills gained on the course, many have gone on to pursue careers and further study in business where these skills are desired.
You will also develop skills as an independent researcher and have the option to experience specific, practical training for careers related to the heritage sector.
We’ll help you to establish connections with internationally excellent researchers covering social, cultural, political, military, and public history from the Medieval to Modern eras. Manchester Metropolitan has dedicated teams to support and grow your academic CV or to help develop a PhD proposal.
You will undertake a range of specialist modules on Public History and Heritage, as well as having opportunities to pursue your own historical interests.
Core modules:
Historical Practice and the Politics of the Past
Professional Heritage Practice
Presenting the Past: Public History
Public History Independent Project
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Wed 20 May 2026