Cultural Heritage (Taught)

This programme builds on the established archaeological expertise of the University of Aberdeen to provide you with the knowledge and skills to enter the professional world of cultural heritage. You will learn about current policy and practice and apply your knowledge at heritage sites, working directly with heritage professionals and local communities.

Jump-start your career in cultural heritage management, professional archaeology or education and research. On this one year Master’s programme, you will study heritage institutions and sites in Scotland and further afield to understand the social, political and regulatory frameworks within which cultural heritage professionals operate today.

This MSc programme provides essential training in the practical and theoretical elements of culture and heritage and is aimed at students from a wide range of academic backgrounds who wish to pursue opportunities in heritage agencies and organisations, professional heritage research units, local authorities, museums or the education sectors.

The Department of Archaeology enjoys close working relationships with a wide range of local, national and international museums, local authorities, agencies and other organisations within the growing heritage sector. Our location in the north east of Scotland provides easy access to numerous ancient sites and institutions where students undertake in situ fieldwork to learn about the key issues in cultural heritage through lively discussions and hands-on exercises.

You will also learn to apply knowledge and skills of the cultural heritage sector, and work with heritage professionals in a series of real-world situations, gaining practical experiences including the option of a work placement as well as opportunities to undertake a community heritage project.

The MSc Cultural Heritage explores the multi-disciplinary nature of the heritage environment and community engagement and is suited to students from various academic backgrounds looking to pursue careers in the heritage sector. With three distinct study pathways - Culture and Museums, Heritage Sector, and Archaeological Heritage - this MSc allows you to choose optional courses based on your particular interests or career aspirations.

After graduating you will be competitively placed for employment in a variety of roles. See the Careers section for more information on each pathway.

Course Modules

In this programme you will gain a solid understanding of the meanings and management of cultural heritage in the modern world, with added depth in archaeological heritage. Through academic studies, practical exercises, and independent research, you will learn the principles and practices that guide heritage selection and protection level and be trained in tasks that are directly applicable to professional roles in the heritage sector.

In addition to the core themes, the programme offers two specializations through optional courses. The first, Learning and Communication in Cultural Heritage, is suitable for those interested in the cultural sector more broadly, looking to work in museums or cultural institutions with a focus on the education, development and promotion of cultural heritage, or who want to pursue postgraduate research in heritage studies. The second, Politics and Engagement in Archaeological Heritage, is directed at those who aim for the archaeological heritage sector, looking to work within agencies, at sites or in the field, with management, assessment, and public outreach, or who want to pursue postgraduate research in archaeology.