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Manchester Metropolitan University: Public History and Heritage
| Institution | Manchester Metropolitan University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | History |
| Web | www.mmu.ac.uk/international |
| courses@mmu.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 0161 2476969 |
| Study type | Taught |
MA
Summary
MA Public History and Heritage is a dynamic course which combines rigorous historical training with heritage-focused, hands-on experience. The course offers an opportunity to engage with both the theory and practice of public history. Whether your interests lie in museum curation, historic preservation, public exhibitions, or academic research, this course equips you with the tools to interpret, present and protect the past in ways that resonate with the public.
At the heart of the programme is a commitment to employability and real-world application. All students can have an opportunity to complete a professional placement with one of our established heritage partners, giving you direct access to industry insight and experience. The course also includes carbon literacy training tailored to the museum and heritage industries.
The course embeds the research expertise of staff across the department and is supported by the innovative work of the Manchester Centre for Public History and Heritage (MCPHH), which works with local heritage organisations to develop additional opportunities for students, organises public-facing events, and provides a network of contacts for placements and career development.
All modules have been co-designed with external partners and employers to ensure that your learning is both academically robust and professionally relevant. Assessments go beyond traditional essays to include real-world outputs such as exhibitions, catalogues, digital projects, and heritage reports, preparing you for the diverse demands of the sector.
With a curriculum grounded in professional practice, shaped by employer partnerships, and enriched by a strong research culture, this programme offers a route into a wide range of careers. MA Public History and Heritage is ideal for anyone considering a career in heritage management, museums, archives, libraries, tourism, local government, or the broader cultural sector. It also provides excellent preparation for doctoral study or research-focused careers.
Features and Benefits - Professional skills - develop skills specific to the heritage industry, such as field-recording of heritage assets, the production of industry-standard reports, and the integration of heritage decision-making into various areas of public administration.
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Exciting placements - work placements will introduce you to the real working environment and enable you to establish valuable contacts within the industry. Previous placements have included Manchester Histories, Sound Archives Unlocked, the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre, People’s History Museum, and a number of National Trust properties.
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Industry connections - strong links with regional and national historians and archives.
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Academic expertise - work alongside leading researchers whose published work covers a wide range of geographical and chronological areas including: women and slavery in America, medieval crusades, the history of the country-house, early modern politics and culture, crime and the Victorian city, terrorism and political violence, museums and public policy.
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Manchester Centre for Public Histories and Heritage - draw on the expertise of the Manchester Centre for Public Histories and Heritage based in our department, where many of our academics are active researchers.
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Research-informed teaching - 83% of our research is rated internationally excellent. (REF 2021).
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Hone your research skills – pursue your own original historical project that allows you to develop your research skills, with the aid of expert supervision.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Graduates with a 2.1 degree or higher in History or associated discipline would be automatically considered. Those who achieve a 2.2 in History, or who have a Masters from a non-Humanities field will be considered on the merits of their individual application, and might be asked to submit, for example, a piece of written work. Those without a History degree or equivalent qualification will be considered if they have compensating industry experience. International students will be required to demonstrate a sufficiently high standard of English language ability. In order to enter most taught postgraduate courses, the English requirements are: International applicants who do not meet this criteria may be offered a place on an English language course at Manchester Metropolitan via our Centre for Academic English, before starting their taught MA programme. These courses vary in length from 8 to 30 weeks, depending on the language proficiency of the individual student. |
| Location | Main Site Academic Division Oxford Road All Saints Manchester M15 6BH |
Summary
Our specialised MA in Public History and Heritage draws on the research expertise of the Manchester Centre for Public Histories and Heritage, providing students with access to archives, historians and networks far beyond just those in the University.
The course trains students in the specifics of public history and heritage and is suitable for those considering a career in heritage management or associated fields, such as libraries and archives, tourism or local government, or wishing to progress onto higher research programmes. The course offers a range of core and optional modules that draw on the strengths of our research-active staff. The skills gained are also transferable to a range of careers - students develop key skills including: working with evidence, writing heritage reports, developing analysis, presenting research, and hands-on experience (through placement) of the heritage, archive and museums sector.
Alongside your studies, you will undertake a placement related to your research interests, organised in collaboration with staff members, and drawn from our extensive network of regional contacts. Previous placements have included National Trust properties, the People's History Museum, and the National Football Museum (Manchester).
Features and Benefits - Professional skills - develop skills specific to the heritage industry, such as field-recording of heritage assets, the production of industry-standard reports, and the integration of heritage decision-making into various areas of public administration.
-
Exciting placements - work placements will introduce you to the real working environment and enable you to establish valuable contacts within the industry. Previous placements have included Manchester Histories, Sound Archives Unlocked, the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre, People’s History Museum, and a number of National Trust properties.
-
Industry connections - strong links with regional and national historians and archives.
-
Academic expertise - work alongside leading researchers whose published work covers a wide range of geographical and chronological areas including: women and slavery in America, medieval crusades, the history of the country-house, early modern politics and culture, crime and the Victorian city, terrorism and political violence, museums and public policy.
-
Manchester Centre for Public Histories and Heritage - draw on the expertise of the Manchester Centre for Public Histories and Heritage based in our department, where many of our academics are active researchers.
-
Research-informed teaching - 83% of our research is rated internationally excellent. (REF 2021).
-
Hone your research skills – pursue your own original historical project that allows you to develop your research skills, with the aid of expert supervision.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Graduates with a 2.1 degree or higher in History or associated discipline would be automatically considered. Those who achieve a 2.2 in History, or who have a Masters from a non-Humanities field will be considered on the merits of their individual application, and might be asked to submit, for example, a piece of written work. Those without a History degree or equivalent qualification will be considered if they have compensating industry experience. International students will be required to demonstrate a sufficiently high standard of English language ability. In order to enter most taught postgraduate courses, the English requirements are: International applicants who do not meet this criteria may be offered a place on an English language course at Manchester Metropolitan via our Centre for Academic English, before starting their taught MA programme. These courses vary in length from 8 to 30 weeks, depending on the language proficiency of the individual student. |
| Location | Main Site Academic Division Oxford Road All Saints Manchester M15 6BH |
Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) is a historic and internationally recognised institution that dates back to 1824, known for the quality of its teaching and world leading research. The University has been named Modern University of the Year (The Times Good University Guide 2026).
Manchester is an exciting and vibrant city known worldwide for its music, sport, culture and creativity. Living and studying here means being part of a global city that opens doors to opportunity.
Manchester is home to a diverse community of more than 5,000 international students from over 120 countries. International students are offered comprehensive …
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