27Nov
PostgraduateCourse summary
The Royal Holloway MA in Public History is aimed at historians who are keen to engage the public by becoming experts in communicating ideas about the past in a range of spaces and media. It provides a unique gateway to the heritage and history sectors, as well as in public media, it therefore provides relevant learning opportunities if you wish to pursue a career in broadcasting or film, in museums, heritage, with community organisations or in journalism. It is also suited to academic historians who are looking for the theories, knowledge and skills to communicate their research in the most effective way to wider audiences. The course was designed in collaboration with potential employers and is taught by staff and industry professionals who are well connected and up-to-date with the latest techniques. Through your studies you will develop professional skills of historical interpretation and communication and have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, including museum curators, public archivists, publishers and TV and radio producers. You will learn about the key theories that underpin public history, digital history and public engagement and become equipped to work in a sector undergoing constant development, where collaborating with other professionals and members of the public will be essential. We are one of the largest and liveliest History departments in the UK yet our size is not at the cost of anonymity; you will receive our individual attention and become part of our close-knit post graduate community. Our internationally renowned academics are developing the very latest thinking on historical problems and their interests range from the ancient to the contemporary.
Modules
Studying and Communicating the Past; History Past and Present: Definitions, Concepts and Approaches; The Public Communication; Pathways to the Past; Voice of the Public; Project Dissertation.
Assessment method
Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, examinations and a dissertation.
Entry requirements
2:1 Candidates with professional qualifications and work experience in an associated area will also be considered. Applicants come from a diverse range of backgrounds and we accept a broad range of qualifications (including first degrees in subjects other than History). We occasionally invite candidates to an interview when we would like more information upon which to base a decision. If applicants are unable to attend, such as overseas students, we interview by telephone. Normally we require a UK 2:1 (Honours) or equivalent in relevant subjects but we will consider a high 2:2 or relevant work experience. Candidates with professional qualifications in an associated area may be considered. Where a ‘high 2:2’ is considered, we would normally define this as reflecting a profile of 57% or above. A piece of written work may be required from applicants who do not meet the standard academic requirements.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £11600 | Year 1 |
| EU | £26100 | Year 1 |
| England | £11600 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11600 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11600 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11600 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £11600 | Year 1 |
| International | £26100 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis in the academic year 2025/26. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually, based on the UK’s Retail Price Index (RPI). Please therefore be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree (if longer than one year’s duration), and that this also means that the overall cost of studying the course part-time will be slightly higher than studying it full-time in one year.
This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26. For further information, please visit: https://royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/postgraduate/tuition-fees/
These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
Provider information
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham
TW20 0EX