Course Overview

MA Cultural Heritage Management aims to enhance students' knowledge of the demands of leadership in the cultural heritage sector. These include broadening the appeal of attractions and collections; anticipating sector-wide trends, nationally and internationally; exploring the possibilities of digital cultural heritage; and understanding visitors and users more effectively. A strong theme of social justice runs through the programme.

Academics who teach on the programme combine research insights with extensive practical experience, contributing business, social science, and humanities insights to the course. Students benefit from the close links we have developed to cultural heritage sites of major importance

During the programme, students may benefit from external guest lectures delivered by experienced practitioners, participate in study visits to cultural and heritage attractions, and participate in live projects that aim to provide hands-on applications of classroom-based learning.

How You Are Assessed

There is a wide variety of assessment types, tailored to the content of the module. Examples include blog posts, consultancy reports, building surveys, visitor audits, a record of digitising a collection and more traditional essays. These are designed to develop skills needed for a career in cultural heritage institutions. There is a focus on group discussion in weekly class sessions, which enables students to receive feedback on their understanding of and approach to the subject matter.

Career Development

Graduates of the MA Culture and Heritage Management have gone on to a variety of careers, including curatorial posts in specialist and county museums, setting up their own heritage businesses, and managing backstage operations at music festivals. Others have gone on to further study at PhD level.