Course Details

Course Code(s):
MAPHCHTFAD/MAPHCHTPAD
Available:
Part-Time
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time
Award:
Masters
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr Karol Mullaney-Dignam
Email: Karol.MullaneyDignam@ul.ie Telephone: 353 061 202199 Web: http://www.ul.ie/ULH/
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Brief Description

The Public History and Cultural Heritage MA programme provides a structured academic approach to public or applied history. The programme equips students with knowledge and transferrable skills needed to understand and practice history in the public domain, in ‘real world’ settings outside of academia. It combines conceptual, methodological and practice-based modules, engaging with contemporary issues in public history and cultural heritage. The programme also includes training on academic, practical, and ethical aspects of historical research and presentation.

The Public History and Cultural Heritage MA programme is offered as a one-year full-time or two-year part-time postgraduate degree programme (online/blended). The programme is delivered through a combination of modern learning modes, including dialogic learning, active and inquiry-based learning, community interaction, problem-solving and creativity, media literacy, reflective practice, and self-directed learning. Graduates attain a globally-recognised postgraduate qualification in a cutting-edge area of historical practice.

What will students learn?
The programme has been designed to include a combination of conceptual, methodological and practice-based modules, thus broadening the student’s intellectual and scholarly experience. The modules engage with contemporary issues in public history and cultural heritage, including controversies, collaborations, and communications. Students learn about public uses and abuses of the past, what this means in theory and in practice, applying knowledge and skills they acquire to their own learning goals.

On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

  • Comprehend key themes and practices in the areas of public history and cultural heritage.
  • Develop understanding of the ethical issues around the practice and consumption of history in the public sphere and in the area of cultural heritage.
  • Critically evaluate key issues in practice and research relevant to areas of public history and cultural heritage.
  • Demonstrate digital public history literacy and competencies.
  • Acquire knowledge applicable to museum/archival collections and exhibits.
  • Appreciate issues around the conservation and protection of cultural heritage sites and objects.
  • Build a range of skills and competencies for working in public history and/or cultural heritage.
  • Display practical and cultural competence to work in public history and cultural heritage.
  • Engage in practitioner-based research that contributes to the growth of national and international research in public history and/or cultural heritage.
  • Develop the art of academic writing and advanced historical research skills.
  • Apply skills and insights acquired during the programme to present research to publication standard.

Who is this programme for?
Anyone interested in public history practice, production, performance, participation, and promotion. Public History is a very broad discipline covering many areas where publics engage with history outside of academia. Students come to the programme from a range of backgrounds; some come directly from studying towards an undergraduate degree in History or related disciplines; others come to it after a break from formal study, or having built up extensive professional practice or ‘real world’ know-how. All bring their own experiences to the programme, and in a collegial, peer-supported environment, learn new information and skills to apply to areas in which they want to specialise.

The programme will appeal to:

  • those who come from and currently work in public history and cultural heritage, the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums) sector, or as freelance historians working on local community history and heritage projects, looking to upskill and build their knowledge in an academic context; and
  • recent History (or cognate subject) graduates who are interested in working in these areas, seeking practical experience and skills.

Online/blended modules appeal to students who are unable to attend on campus, particularly overseas students interested in public history and cultural heritage within an Irish context, and who would like to benefit from studying at an Irish university, as well as those working in the field. Some international students choose to spend some time in Ireland, conducting research and/or on placement, though this is not a requirement. During this time they are welcome to study on campus, and will be assisted in identifying a suitable local work placement, if desired.

Autumn Semester - Full time

Spring Semester - Full time

Summer Semester - Full time

4 Compulsory Modules (30 credits)

4 Compulsory Modules (30 credits)

1 Compulsory Module (30 credits)
  • HI6201. Introduction to Public History: Theory & Practice (9 credits)

 
  • HI6792. Public History Internship (9 credits)

taken by current public history practitioners as work-based reflective practice
  • HI6033. Dissertation (30 credits)

or

Exit for Graduate Diploma in Public History & Cultural Heritage (60 Credits)
  • HI6171. Digital Public History: Culture and Communication (9 credits)
  • HI6222. Directed Reading in History (9 credits)
  • HI6191. Graduate Seminar in Irish Cultural History (9 credits)
  • HI6002. History Research Seminar (9 credits)
  • HI6211. Historical Research in Practice 1 (3 credits)
  • HI6312. Historical Research in Practice 2 (3 credits)

 

Autumn Semester – Part time Year 1

Spring Semester – Part time Year 1

Summer Semester – Part time Year 1

2 Compulsory Modules (18 credits)

2 Compulsory Modules (18 credits)

 
  • HI6201. Introduction to Public History: Theory & Practice (9 credits)

 
  • HI6792. Public History Internship (9 credits)

taken by current public history practitioners as work-based reflective practice

 
  • HI6171. Digital Public History: Culture and Communication (9 credits)
  • HI6222. Directed Reading in History (9 credits)

 

 

 

 

Autumn Semester – Part time Year 2

Spring Semester – Part time Year 2

Summer Semester – Part time Year 2

2 Compulsory Modules (12 credits)

2 Compulsory Modules (12 credits)

1 Compulsory Module (30 credits)
  • HI6191. Graduate Seminar in Irish Cultural History (9 credits)
  • HI6002. History Research Seminar (9 credits)
  • HI6033. Dissertation (30 credits)

or

Exit for Graduate Diploma in Public History & Cultural Heritage (60 Credits)
  • HI6211. Historical Research in Practice 1 (3 credits)
  • HI6312. Historical Research in Practice 2 (3 credits)
  • Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.
  • Students access content and interact with lecturers and classmates primarily through the university’s Virtual Learning Environment.
  • Lessons combine video/podcasts, learning objects, readings, and other resources.
  • All students participate in online discussions, webinars, and peer-supported activities.
  • Module assessment is by continuous assessment of coursework, with options for specialisation towards individual learning goals.
  • The dissertation (c.20,000 words) combines self-directed work and liaison with the project supervisor.
  • Both the 1 year full-time and 2 year part-time MA provide an exit award of Graduate Diploma in Public History and Cultural Heritage for students who meet the academic requirements of the taught programme (60 ECTS) and do not proceed to the dissertation (30 ECTS).

 

A primary degree (with first or second class honours) (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) in a relevant or appropriate subject, or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement. Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University. The University reserves the right to shortlist and interview applicants as deemed necessary.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of your CV
  • A brief Personal Statement outlining your understanding and expectations of the programme
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. 
  •  If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

Full Time:

EU - €7,220 

Non- EU - €18,000

Part Time:

EU - €3,826 per annum

Non- EU - €9,700 per annum

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

 

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

While graduates of this MA are well placed to pursue a variety of career pathways, the programme will prove to be of particular value to

  • History (or cognate subject) graduates seeking to pursue a career in public history, in the cultural heritage, education and/or tourism sectors;
  • Public history practitioners and cultural heritage sector professionals seeking theoretical, methodological, and practical upskilling;
  • Those wishing to pursue doctoral research in public history.

Deirdre Cuss, Access and Learning, The Royal Air Force Museum, UK: Graduate, MA Public History and Cultural Heritage ‘The MA in ‘public history and cultural heritage’ has offered me the chance to explore career paths throughout the museum, heritage and cultural institutions in Ireland and abroad. Whether exploring the academic or more practical side of things, the course developed each element fully so that the students would be equipped to enter the industry.’ 

‘I would definitely recommend the course to people who want to get involved in the more practical side of presenting history to the public.’

Lorna Elms, National Museum of Ireland, and Project Development Officer, Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN):  The course was extremely well organised and takes a scaffolded approach to teaching and learning. You're building up your knowledge and skills step-by-step and I really love the fact that with everything you learned, you immediately had to put it into practice through your assignments. From critical analysis of sources right through to researching, writing and recording a podcast, there was a variety of assignments, that kept it interesting, and I think it helped to keep people engaged throughout the programme.

‘It was challenging but I'm always up for a challenge. We had already learned the skills before we had to put them into practice. So, for the podcast for example, we would have learned about recording and editing in the digital humanities module. We learned how to research a topic effectively and then we would have received pointers on how to put that together in a narrative. We would be given examples of podcasts to go away and listen to so it's not like you're suddenly asked to do something in a vacuum. You get taught the skills and knowledge required and then you are asked to go ahead and put it into practice.  I think that is really key to the success of the course because you take the theory and actually put it into practice. I was very impressed with the lecturers, they are very passionate about their subject, knowledgeable and supportive. There was no such thing as a stupid question and they were always there to support us as students.’