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Discover how the past can be used today and preserved for future generations. Prepare for and enhance your career in the Heritage sector by gaining expert knowledge and practical experience.
How can heritage organisations balance business need with a commitment to historic truth? How do you decide which elements of the past to preserve and present to the public? Learn from our Heritage experts, who have practical experience working in this industry, and develop the skills to answer these questions and be a successful professional in this sector.
The course runs over 12 months full-time.
September - December (11 weeks)
Students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, and an emphasis on guided independent learning.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
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You’ll take a global approach to heritage, giving you the ability to compare and contrast best practice from across the world. You’ll benefit from our national and international partnerships with government, third sector, NGOs and charitable organisations.
These include UK heritage organisations such as Chatsworth House, Historic England, Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust and the National Trust. Our international partnerships include Biltmore Estate (US), Nemours Estate (US) and Indian Institute for Heritage. Get involved with placements and internships and benefit from teaching and specialist lectures from leading industry experts to take your practice to the next level.
Connections to national and international heritage organisations.
Learn key skills like how to create an exhibition and how to manage a heritage site.
Practical placement opportunities to enhance your career prospects.
Discover the key skills needed to successfully manage heritage sites, like project management, managing volunteers and an awareness of sustainability in the heritage sector. Put these skills into practice with our placement opportunities with one of our industry partners.
Our MA in International Heritage Management ensures you’ll gain real world skills and knowledge of the areas of heritage management which interest you most. What’s more, you can tailor your degree to your chosen specialism by combining the heritage modules with optional modules in history, archaeology, art history, or African studies and anthropology. Develop your theoretical knowledge whilst you learn skills like how to pull together an exhibition and how to manage a heritage site.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in History and Heritage.
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
Students must choose 40 credits of optional modules.
This list is indicative: not all modules will run each year due to staff availability.
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in a relevant subject
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject. We can also consider relevant equivalent study or professional experience.
You don't need previous experience of the subject, but we'd expect to see evidence of engagement with or enthusiasm about heritage in your personal statement.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
By studying a postgraduate degree in History or Heritage at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to collate together information, strong written and verbal communication skills, and analytical skills.
Our History and Heritage graduates enter many roles, including:
Employers our History and Heritage graduates have worked for include:
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.