Public History & Cultural Heritage (Online) - MA

The Public History and Cultural Heritage MA programme provides a structured academic approach to the practice of history in the public domain through modern models of online learning. Graduates of this programme attain a globally-recognised postgraduate qualification in a cutting-edge area of growing national and international significance.

What will students learn?
The programme has been developed 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, including controversies, collaborations, and communications, all the time questioning: What does it mean? Why does it matter? A useful way of describing public history is as “an attitude or perception about the use and value of history”. (Hilda Kean and Paul Martin, 2013)  Students of this programme learn what this means in theory and in practice, applying the knowledge and skills they acquire to their own learning goals.

Who is this programme for?
Anyone interested in public history practice, production, performance, participation, and promotion.

The online delivery provides prospective students employed in the areas of culture, heritage, education, tourism, local history and civic development, among others, with the opportunity to become part of an international public history community. In keeping with its community-building and peer-support ethos, this programme offers continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities to those already working in public history (museums, archives, cultural heritage sites, or freelance), but is also designed to appeal to those seeking to work in this exciting field.

The coursework for this MA course will be delivered entirely online.* As there are no formal examinations, students benefit from continuous online feedback and assessment. Students are given graded assignments at regular intervals incorporating the use of primary and secondary sources, and in a variety of traditional and non-traditional formats. These range from short discussion posts to long-form essays, and content creation from social and other online media to podcasting. Students become peers in an accessible, enthusiastic and inclusive online learning community, contributing to discussion forums and debating the most up-to-date public history issues (e.g. controversies about commemorations, flags and statues, remembering and forgetting pasts, etc). The programme includes training on the methodological, practical and ethical aspects of historical research and interpretation, with input from public history practitioners and cultural sector partners.

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

* Some modules may also be available on campus (blended delivery). Please note that a good basic level of digital literacy is required and elective modules are subject to change each year.

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 brief Personal Statement outlining your understanding and expections of the programme
• A copy of your birth certificate or passport
• 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

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

• Graduates seeking to pursue a career in public history, in the heritage, education and tourism sectors
• Practitioners of public history seeking theoretical and methodological upskilling
• Those wishing to pursue doctoral research in this area