MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
MA Public History
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers a dynamic MA Public History program designed for individuals passionate about bringing history to wider audiences and engaging with the past in contemporary contexts. This postgraduate degree delves into how historical narratives are created, consumed, and understood in public spaces, including museums, heritage sites, film, television, and digital platforms. It emphasizes the critical examination of popular historical forms and prepares students for professional roles in the heritage sector, cultural institutions, or for further doctoral study. The program provides a blend of theoretical understanding and practical experience, crucial for interpreting history in real-world settings.
Curriculum: The MA Public History curriculum at St. Mary's is structured to provide a robust understanding of public history methodologies and applications. While specific module titles may vary, the program typically includes core components that explore "Public History Methodology," examining the theoretical underpinnings and practical approaches to engaging with the past outside of traditional academic settings. Students delve into how history is represented and consumed through various media and cultural forms. Modules often cover topics such as "Archives and Museums," "Digital History," "Heritage Tourism," and "Public History and Culture in the Modern Era." The program culminates in a substantial dissertation or a major public history project, allowing students to undertake independent research or develop a practical output like an exhibition, podcast, or digital resource, directly applying their learned skills to a specific historical topic or public audience.
Research Focus: The History department at St. Mary's University has a strong research profile that informs the MA Public History program. Faculty research interests encompass a broad range of historical periods and themes, including contemporary British culture and politics, the French Revolution and Napoleonic Europe, and early modern monarchy. Notably, the department has specific research expertise in "Public History," with academics actively publishing and engaging in scholarly discussions on how history is produced, consumed, and contested in the public sphere. The "Centre for History and Public Pasts" at St. Mary's organizes seminars and events, providing a platform for exploring the ethics and social implications of historical practices, and the importance of the past in the present. This vibrant research environment ensures that students are exposed to cutting-edge scholarship and critical debates within the field of public history.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University places a high value on industry engagement within its MA Public History program, aiming to provide students with practical experience and professional networks. The program is designed to prepare students for employment in public history-related fields. Although formal, mandatory external placements might not be explicitly detailed for every module, the course structure encourages practical experience. Students have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, which may involve collaboration with cultural heritage sites, museums, galleries, or archives. The university leverages its proximity to London and its rich historical and cultural institutions (such as Hampton Court Palace, The Migration Museum, and The National Archives) for field trips and direct engagement with professionals. This focus on applied learning and real-world projects helps students build a diverse portfolio of public history work and develop crucial transferable skills for their careers.
Global Perspective: The MA Public History program at St. Mary's University incorporates a global perspective by examining how historical narratives and public engagement with the past transcend national boundaries and reflect diverse cultural contexts. While much of the practical application might be rooted in the UK's rich heritage sector, the theoretical discussions and analytical frameworks for understanding "public history" are inherently global. The program encourages students to consider the ethical and political implications of how history is presented globally, particularly in relation to contested pasts, memory work, and the representation of marginalized histories. By studying the production and consumption of history in various forms, students develop a critical understanding of how public history operates on an international scale and its impact on global narratives and identities.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 17820
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
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 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
An MA in Public History from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers graduates a specialized and highly practical skillset for engaging with the past in public spheres. This postgraduate degree uniquely combines rigorous historical scholarship with training in various methods of public engagement, preparing individuals to interpret, present, and contextualize history for diverse audiences outside academia. Graduates develop critical thinking, communication, and project management skills that are invaluable in the dynamic heritage and cultural sectors, making them highly sought after for roles that bridge historical knowledge with public interest.
Museum Curator/Exhibitions Officer: Designing, researching, and managing historical exhibitions and collections in museums and galleries, interpreting artifacts and narratives for public consumption.
Heritage Manager/Officer: Overseeing the preservation, interpretation, and accessibility of historic sites, buildings, and landscapes for heritage organizations such as the National Trust or English Heritage.
Archivist/Records Manager: Preserving and organizing historical documents, photographs, and other records for public access in national, local, or corporate archives.
Museum Education Officer: Developing and delivering educational programs, workshops, and resources for schools and the public at museums and heritage sites.
Public Engagement Officer: Creating and implementing strategies to engage diverse communities with local history, heritage, and cultural initiatives, often for local councils, charities, or community groups.
Digital Historian/Content Creator: Developing online historical content, digital exhibitions, podcasts, and interactive platforms for museums, heritage sites, or media companies.
Historical Consultant: Providing historical research, advice, and accuracy checks for film, television, theatre productions, gaming, or private companies.
Oral Historian: Conducting, transcribing, and preserving oral history interviews, often for archives, community projects, or specific research initiatives.
Freelance Historian/Writer: Working independently to research, write, and publish historical articles, books, or contribute to documentaries and historical media projects.
Cultural Policy Officer: Working for governmental bodies or cultural organizations to develop policies related to heritage, arts, and culture, drawing on an understanding of public engagement with history.
