Public History and Heritage

A 2.1 degree or higher in History or another humanities discipline. Those who have a master’s 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 humanities degree or equivalent qualification will also be considered if they have compensating industry experience.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5

TOEFL 575

TOEFL computer-based 230

Find out about English language requirements.

If you are an international student, you will usually need to get a student visa before you can study in the UK.

MA Public History and Heritage is a dynamic course which combines rigorous historical training with heritage-focussed, 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 Histories 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-focussed careers.