Public History and Cultural Heritage - MA

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.

• 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

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded
• Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.

International students can find more information on eligibility requirements here. 

EU - Full Time €7,600 - Part Time €3,900 per annum*

Non EU - Full Time €18,000 - Part Time €9,700 per annum*

*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change

Once registered, students can apply to pay their fees in instalments. A request for a payment plan should be emailed to student.fees.office@ul.ie.

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.)

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.

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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.’