MA

History and Heritage

Key Facts

Course Code V192W

  • Qualification

    MA

  • Course duration

    1 year

Available for September start 2025

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The study of how history is engaged with outside academia is a major growth area of research. The MA History and Heritage at Aberystwyth University has been developed both for those who are interested in the academic study of this interplay and those who are interested in pursuing careers in the heritage industry itself. It offers you the opportunity to explore key concepts and debates in heritage studies, to acquire some heritage-related business skills, and to participate for academic credit in a work placement with a leading heritage organisation, such as the National Library of Wales, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, and the National Trust, developing your practical experience in this field.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent. Non-graduates will be considered individually based on relevant work experience.

English Language Requirements IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants are encouraged to submit an up-to-date CV as part of their application.

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Fees and Finance

Course Fees:

Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase.

Funding:

Funding opportunities may be available, please check our funding calculator for details. 

Course Overview

Why study MA History and Heritage at Aberystwyth University?

  • Study just five minutes away from one of five UK copyright libraries, the National Library of Wales 
  • Undertake a work placement as part of this course with an institution that engages on a daily basis with history 
  • Our Department has strong links with the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments and the National Library of Wales - two nearby and significant organisations
  • History has been taught in Aberystwyth since 1872, making our department the oldest in Wales and one of the foremost in Britain
  • Our lecturers are research active and are recognised as leading authorities in their respective fields
  • You'll benefit from small group teaching.
  • You'll benefit from expertise across the university when engaging with the concepts of heritage and public history
  • Engage with a major growth area of research and gain hands-on experience in Heritage issues.

About this course

Duration:

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.

Contact Time:

Approximately 6 hours a week in the first two semesters, then mutually agreed contact time with assigned your supervisor.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Our graduates have expansive and varied careers in museums and archives, heritage administration, tourism, public administration, the civil service, local government, teaching, journalism, the broadcast media and publishing.

Skills

This course will empower you to:

  • Increase your critical faculties
  • Develop study and research skills
  • Gain academic and practical expertise of heritage and historical processes
  • Develop strong writing and analytical skills as well as the capacity to work independently
  • Develop your abilities in structuring and communicating complex ideas clearly, accurately, and authoritatively.

Teaching & Learning

How will I learn?

The course is delivered through a combination of seminars, tutorials, workshops, and a work placement with a heritage agency.

The core module, 'Research Methods and Professional Skills in History', will also require attendance at departmental research seminars, where you'll be immersed in the research culture of the Department.

Throughout the year there will be workshops to aid in researching and writing your dissertation, and during the final semester, you'll arrange a suitable level of contact time with your assigned dissertation supervisor.

What will I learn?

When studied full-time, the first two semesters consist of six 20-credit modules, including a work placement module, where you'll play a full part in the work of a major heritage agency.

Optional modules are varied and allow you to tailor the course to suit your interests.

In the final semester, you'll complete your MA dissertation, an original research project (15,000 words) undertaken under the close supervision of a specialist within the Department.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be via a combination of essays, reports, group projects, practical exercises, oral assessments and written examinations.

Successful submission of the MA dissertation in the final semester leads to the award of an MA.