MA Public History at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The MA in Public History examines how historical knowledge is produced, mediated, represented and consumed in public spaces, with a focus on Belfast and Northern Ireland. It combines historical theory and research methods with specialised topics such as contested pasts, oral history, heritage and tourism, and digital curation. Students complete a 30-day placement with a museum, archive, heritage site or visitor experience.

Department: School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics | Duration: 1 year full-time; 3 years part-time | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules are The Historian's Craft, History and its Audiences, a Public History Internship (40 credits) and a 60-credit Dissertation. Optional modules include Belfast: Place, Identity and Memory in a Contested City, Telling Stories: Creative Approaches to History and Major Themes in US History.

Career pathways

Graduates have moved into PhD study and into careers in museums, archives and libraries, journalism and media, teaching, public and private administration, economic development and the voluntary sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree (minimum 55%) or equivalent in a Humanities or Arts subject or an acceptable cognate discipline. Applicants with a 2.2 below 55% in a relevant discipline who can demonstrate relevant professional experience are considered case by case. Further criteria may be applied because placements are limited, including ranking on academic performance and/or interview. Apply ideally by 13 August 2027 for a late-September start. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last 2 years) or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,250 a year (2027/28). Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland fee Source

International applicants: GBP 24,400 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other fee Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 3 years part-time

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