MA (Extended) Public History and Heritage at Swansea University

Programme overview

The Extended MA Public History and Heritage follows the MA in Public History and Heritage and adds a semester of study abroad through a partnership with Appalachian State University. It trains students for research careers and for roles in heritage and related sectors, with practical work alongside external heritage organisations.

Department: History, Heritage and Classics | Duration: 2 years full-time | Intake: September | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1: compulsory 20-credit modules Approaches and Debates in Heritage and Public History, Heritage Work Placement and Understanding GLAM, plus two Semester 1 options and one Semester 2 option (for example Heritage in Conflict, Reading Medieval Manuscripts, Ancient Landscapes, Radical Histories). Year 2: a 60-credit Heritage Dissertation (practice-based or written) and a 60-credit semester of study abroad at Appalachian State University.

Career pathways

Graduate roles in the heritage industry including museums, libraries and archives, doctoral training for curatorial roles, independent heritage practice and policy roles in culture and leisure. The semester abroad adds international experience.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer: a 2:1 degree in History, Heritage Studies, Archaeology, Classics, Egyptology, Geography, Cultural Studies, Sociology, humanities or social science subjects, or a science-based archaeology or conservation degree. Candidates with significant professional or volunteering experience in the heritage or public history sector are also considered. English language (non-first-language speakers): IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,350 a year (2026/27). Year 1 fee. Source

International applicants: GBP 13,500 a year (2026/27). Year 1 fee. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 2 years full-time

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities