Heritage (Taught)

Heritage has diverse economic, social, and political importance across the world. The global heritage tourism market was valued at £453.28 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach £583.55 billion by 2030 (source: Grand View Research). As a result, heritage skills and knowledge are in high demand.
The Masters in Heritage gives you the practice and theory needed for a career in the heritage sector:

• Explore key ideas and debates in heritage studies.

• Learn about the theories and principles used in heritage studies alongside the opportunities and challenges in the field.

• Get practical training in issues and skills relating to the conservation and management of heritage.

• Discover how heritage relates to ideas of sustainability, community resilience, and politics, as well as linking the past with the present.

• Develop valuable research skills and methods.

You'll learn from academic experts who use their internationally-leading research to bring subjects to life.
Heritage sector partnerships
We have a partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, Scotland’s largest conservation charity. It enriches our heritage research, teaching, and learning. The National Trust for Scotland has 100 sites including ancient houses, battlefields, castles, gardens, coastlines and islands.
You’ll also benefit from our extensive relationships with other organisations in the heritage sector. They include the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research, Archaeology Scotland, Glasgow Buildings Preservation Trust, Historic Environment Scotland, National Museums Scotland, Culture Perth and Kinross, and Stirling City Heritage Trust.
These formal and informal partnerships offer you unique learning opportunities such as:

• student placements,

• field visits,

• case studies,

• guest lectures by sector experts,

• networking and research opportunities.

Experience heritage firsthand
Field visits are a key part of the Heritage MSc. Diverse heritage is on your doorstep in the historic city of Stirling. Visit Stirling Castle, Bannockburn Battlefield, Cambuskenneth Abbey, the Stirling Smith Museum, and the Wallace Monument. Our campus is on a historic designed landscape. It includes many listed buildings and a scheduled monument as well as a large art collection.
You can also visit nearby cities and towns. Explore heritage sites in Glasgow, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, and the Hill House in Helensburgh.
Gain practical heritage experience
On the Heritage Masters degree, you have the option to a standard or a work-related dissertation. On the work-related dissertation you’ll address a research topic in collaboration with an external partner. The output will offer beneficial knowledge for that partner.
There is also the opportunity to do an optional work placement module with one of our heritage partners. Previous placement partners include:

• Culture Perth and Kinross

• Killin and Ardeonaig Trust

• National Trust for Scotland

• Scottish Castles Association

• Strathfillian Community Development Trust

• The Art Collection at the University of Stirling

• The Scottish Crannog Centre

The work placement gives you the opportunity for critical reflection and personal development through work experience. It will also help you develop your CV and professional networks.
Topics that your dissertation and work placement could focus on include:

• heritage management;

• heritage interpretation;

• event development, delivery and/or evaluation;

• digital and online media;

• audience engagement;

• exhibition development;

• marketing and fundraising;

• educational events and public engagement/outreach.

Comprehensive employability and skills programme
Our employability and skills programme helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market.

Your final assessment will involve a dissertation or project report.