MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
MA Heritage Studies
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The MA Heritage Studies program at the University of Manchester provides an in-depth exploration of cultural heritage, its management, and its significance in contemporary society. This program is designed for students passionate about preserving and interpreting historical sites, artifacts, and intangible heritage. It equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to engage with museums, archives, heritage organizations, and cultural institutions globally. By combining academic research, policy analysis, and practical fieldwork, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers in heritage conservation, cultural management, and public history.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of heritage studies while allowing students to specialize in their areas of interest. Core modules typically cover heritage theory, cultural policy, heritage management, and museum studies. Students also engage with topics such as digital heritage, conservation techniques, and the ethical challenges of heritage preservation. Optional modules allow for further specialization in fields like archaeology, architectural conservation, and intangible heritage. A major component of the program is the research dissertation, where students conduct independent research on a chosen heritage-related topic under expert supervision.
Research Focus: The University of Manchester is a leader in heritage and cultural studies research, fostering an interdisciplinary approach that connects history, archaeology, and cultural studies. The program emphasizes critical heritage research, exploring how historical narratives are constructed, preserved, and contested. Students engage with case studies on heritage in conflict zones, postcolonial heritage management, and digital innovations in cultural preservation. The university’s collaboration with local and international heritage institutions provides students with access to archives, museums, and conservation projects, enhancing their research opportunities.
Industry Engagement: A key strength of the MA Heritage Studies program is its strong ties with the heritage and museum sectors. The university partners with leading organizations such as Historic England, UNESCO, the National Trust, and Manchester Museum, allowing students to gain hands-on experience through internships, fieldwork, and collaborative projects. Guest lectures from heritage professionals, policymakers, and conservation experts provide real-world insights into heritage management and cultural policy. Students also have the opportunity to work on heritage interpretation projects, exhibitions, and community heritage initiatives.
Global Perspective: The MA Heritage Studies program takes a truly global approach, recognizing the diverse ways in which heritage is understood, managed, and contested worldwide. The curriculum includes case studies from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, helping students develop a comparative understanding of heritage conservation, tourism, and cultural identity. The program also explores contemporary issues such as climate change and its impact on heritage sites, the role of digital technology in heritage preservation, and the ethics of repatriation and decolonization in museums. Students benefit from international partnerships, study trips, and research collaborations, ensuring they gain a broad and inclusive perspective on global heritage challenges.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 28500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application fee: £60
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.
Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.
Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.
Graduates of the MA Heritage Studies program at the University of Manchester are well-prepared for diverse careers in the heritage, museum, and cultural sectors. The program’s interdisciplinary approach equips students with skills in heritage management, conservation, research, and cultural policy, making them highly sought after by employers.
Heritage Manager: Work with organizations such as Historic England, UNESCO, the National Trust, and local heritage sites to manage, preserve, and promote historical landmarks and cultural assets.
Museum Curator: Oversee museum collections, develop exhibitions, and engage in research at institutions such as Manchester Museum, the British Museum, and local history museums.
Conservation Officer: Specialize in preserving historical buildings, artifacts, and cultural landscapes, working with government agencies, heritage trusts, and private conservation firms.
Cultural Policy Advisor: Influence heritage policies and cultural strategies for government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations.
Archaeologist: Conduct fieldwork and research to uncover and document historical sites and artifacts, working with universities, museums, or private archaeology firms.
Archivist or Records Manager: Work with historical archives, libraries, and museums to manage and preserve important documents, manuscripts, and digital records.
Tourism and Cultural Heritage Consultant: Develop heritage tourism initiatives, sustainable tourism strategies, and interpretive programs for travel agencies, UNESCO sites, and tourism boards.
Heritage Education and Outreach Officer: Create educational programs, workshops, and public engagement initiatives for schools, museums, and community groups.
Historic Buildings Inspector: Assess and regulate heritage-listed buildings, ensuring their conservation and restoration according to heritage laws and policies.
Digital Heritage Specialist: Work with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital archiving to preserve and present heritage sites in innovative ways.
Film and Media Consultant for Heritage Projects: Provide expertise in historical accuracy and storytelling for documentaries, films, and television programs related to history and heritage.
Researcher in Heritage Studies: Pursue further academic research or a PhD in Heritage Studies, History, or Cultural Studies, leading to careers in higher education and specialized research institutions.
Cultural Event Coordinator: Organize heritage festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events to promote historical awareness and engagement with local communities.
Repatriation and Ethical Heritage Consultant: Work with museums and institutions on ethical issues such as artifact repatriation, decolonization, and indigenous heritage preservation.
NGO and International Heritage Consultant: Collaborate with organizations such as UNESCO, the World Monuments Fund, and heritage-based NGOs to protect and restore cultural heritage globally.
