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University of Southampton: Cultural Heritage Studies
| Institution | University of Southampton View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Archaeology |
| Web | www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate |
| AdmissionsPGT.AH@soton.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 023 8059 4732 |
| Study type | Taught |
MA
Summary
About this course The MA Cultural Heritage Studies is a UK master's degree that provides you with key knowledge of both land-based and maritime heritage. It explores the main issues and debates surrounding the subject, covering everything from art, film, and literature to the built environment and archaeological remains. We are ranked 7th for archaeology and 3rd for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).
The course offers four flexible pathways that allow you to specialise: 1. Cultural Heritage (General): Focuses on core issues, legal and ethical concerns, and management/presentation methods. 2. Heritage and Museums: Provides behind-the-scenes insight into how museums communicate the past, leveraging links with heritage partners. 3. Heritage and Public History: Offers specialist insight into how history is presented to non-academic audiences. 4. Heritage and the Arts: Develops practical skills in communicating heritage through publishing, broadcasting, heritage management, and arts curation.
Your future career You will graduate with the expertise for a successful career in the sector or for further study at the PhD level. The degree prepares you for a range of professional roles by developing your research skills and in-depth knowledge of heritage management. Work experience opportunities are available to enhance your employability and build valuable networks.
Key features of this course At Southampton you'll: • Gain essential experience through field trips and opportunities to meet industry practitioners. • Have the chance to apply for a work placement with one of the University's heritage partners. • Acquire knowledge of diverse cultural heritage, including intangible heritage (like traditional knowledge and customs). • Choose between completing a traditional 20,000-word dissertation or a professional project (such as an exhibition, catalogue, or guidebook) with a shorter critical commentary.
Further information The course is taught through a mix of lectures, seminars, field trips, project work, and group work. You will be assessed through a combination of essays, laboratory and field activities, presentations, and your final dissertation/professional project. The full-time course duration is one year, but you may be able to apply to study it as a part-time master's over a longer period.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You'll need a 2:2 degree in any subject which includes assessed written academic work. |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
Summary
Discover the cultural heritage industry on this master’s degree at the University of Southampton. Gain the knowledge and skills to specialise in an area relevant to your interests. You’ll graduate from this MA with the expertise for a successful career in the sector, or for further study at PhD level.
This UK master’s degree in cultural heritage studies will give you key knowledge of both land-based and maritime heritage. It covers everything from art, film and literature to the built environment and archaeological remains.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | First or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject from a UK university, that has included assessed written academic work. Alternatively, we will also consider an equivalent overseas or professional qualification in an appropriate subject area. |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
Summary
Discover the cultural heritage industry on this master’s degree at the University of Southampton. Gain the knowledge and skills to specialise in an area relevant to your interests. You’ll graduate from this MA with the expertise for a successful career in the sector, or for further study at PhD level.
This UK master’s degree in cultural heritage studies will give you key knowledge of both land-based and maritime heritage. It covers everything from art, film and literature to the built environment and archaeological remains.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
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Study your postgraduate degree at the University of Southampton, a Russell Group university ranked in the top 17 in the UK* and 87th among global universities**.
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