Cultural Heritage Studies (Taught)

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.

Compulsory modules include: Disseration or Professional Project; Global Cultural Heritage; Maritime Museums and Heritage Management; Public History. Optional modules include: Approaches to Critical and Creative Concepts; Cultural Heritage within Environmental Impact Assessment; Literary Industries and New Media.

For a full list of modules please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/cultural-heritage-studies-masters-ma#modules

We'll assess your knowledge through: essays, laboratory and field activities, presentations and dissertation.