Course summary

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 includes 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. A key aspect 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. 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. The programme will then be completed with a semester spent studying abroad, as the Extended MA is delivered in partnership with Appalachian State University. 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).