Business and Heritage Management

About this course

The MSc Business and Heritage Management course is designed to develop your knowledge and skills in both business and archaeology, transforming you into an effective manager of the world's heritage. You will explore the economic and legal principles of heritage management globally, covering topics from museum displays and site presentations to how heritage contributes to national identities. The course teaches the theory and practical application of assessing, preserving, presenting, and mitigating the impact of development on our shared heritage assets. We're ranked 7th for archaeology and 3rd for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).

Your future career

You will graduate with specialized skills in finance, project management, and risk management, equipping you for opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The heritage industry is a major contributor to the global economy, and this degree prepares you for a career in a wide range of business and management roles across the heritage, tourism, and construction sectors. Careers directly related to this course include Heritage Manager, Conservation Officer, Cultural Heritage Curator, Collections Officer, Archivist, and Academic Researcher. Graduates often work for national and local government bodies, museums, heritage service providers, and universities.

Key features of this course

At Southampton you'll:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the business principles applied to the preservation and presentation of heritage sites and collections worldwide.

• Study core modules such as Corporate Finance, Principles of Risk Management, and Project Management alongside specialist heritage modules like Global Cultural Heritage and Cultural Heritage within Environmental Impact Assessment.

• Have access to specialized archaeological labs and reference collections and relevant computer software/datasets.

• Learn through a variety of methods including lectures, professional project work, group work, field trips to heritage sites, and practical sessions with working professionals.

• Have the option to undertake a Professional Placement in the Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Sector module to apply your learning in a working environment.

Further information

This master’s course is based at the Avenue campus and is awarded by the University of Southampton. Your studies culminate in a 15,000-word Archaeology Dissertation, a personal research project completed over the summer with guidance from a dedicated supervisor, allowing you to showcase the advanced skills and knowledge developed throughout the year. The course structure emphasizes a mix of academic theory and practical, applied learning to ensure you can succeed in the professional field of heritage management.