MA Cultural Heritage at University of Bristol

The cultural heritage sector, which encompasses museums, historical sites, monuments, and the visual arts, as well as intangible elements such as traditions, languages, and rituals, plays a crucial role in enriching public understandings of culture and history. The field is experiencing rapid change and institutions are looking for researchers and professionals that can tackle some of its most current and pressing challenges. This programme trains you to look back critically on the histories that have informed our cultural institutions, both in the UK and globally, and to use this knowledge to explore how inclusive and innovative practices can shape this sector in the future.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences  |  Department: School of Humanities  |  Duration: One year full-time, Two years part-time. Part-time study requires daytime weekday attendance  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The core unit in Teaching Block 1, Critical Perspectives on Cultural Heritage (20 credits), introduces the field of cultural heritage and trains you to analyse past and current heritage practice. You will be taught in collaboration with heritage experts and undertake site visits to cultural institutions, exposing you to the practice of professionals working in these fields. You will also choose two optional units taught across the School of Humanities (20 credits) to develop your interdisciplinary knowledge.

Career pathways

This programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to move into a wide range of heritage roles that include (but are not limited to): curating, collections and buildings management, community engagement, development, fundraising, cultural policy, digital heritage, education, exhibition design, communications and marketing. It also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue further academic research at doctoral level and beyond, by providing advanced independent research skills and a foundational knowledge of the field.

Official programme page