Overview

The Public History and Cultural Heritage MA programme provides a structured academic approach to the practice of history in a public setting through modern models of online learning. This 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 programme offers a globally-recognised postgraduate qualification in a cutting-edge area of historical practice and provides opportunities to expand industry/academia partnerships. The online delivery of the programme enables prospective students whether already working in public cultural institutions, or employed in other sectors of the economy, the opportunity to acquire a globally recognised postgraduate qualification. It will appeal to new graduates and history teachers seeking continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. As an online programme it provides prospective students complete flexibility.

The aim of the programme is:

• A key object of the programme is to forge mutually beneficial relationships between the Department of History and the many cultural institutions such as research libraries, galleries, museums and archival repositories, in Ireland and abroad.
• The Public History aspect of the programme focuses on the function and value of history in terms of the public realm, from museums to public archives, film, public spectacle, and examines how history is generated and consumed in a range of public spaces and institutions.
• The Cultural Heritage aspect of this Masters programme introduces students to the dominant themes and practices peculiar to the field of cultural heritage. This element of the programme provides students with the scaffolding from which to build on their acquired skills of research, interpretation and analysis, as well as developing their creative skills and a deeper understanding of the value of cultural heritage to society and to the state.
• The programme also aims to equip students with a multiplicity of transferrable skills and competencies, including: the opportunity to work online individually and as part of a team, using the latest methods, devices and practices currently available in the digital learning environment.

For further information on the programme contact:

Course Director:  Professor Anthony McElligott
Email: Anthony.mcelligott@ul.ie
Tel: 353 061 213524
Web:  http:www.ul.ie/ULH/

Graduate Profile

Applicants for a Master's programme must normally have a first or second class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) 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.

Programme Content

The coursework for this MA course will be delivered entirely online. Students from the four corners of the globe will be made feel part of an accessible, enthusiastic and inclusive online learning community. Each student will be fully supported by a dedicated and engaged teaching team. Students will be given graded assignments at regular intervals incorporating the use of primary and secondary sources. Students will benefit from continuous online feedback and assessment which will be detailed and traceable across the programme. Our online students will be able to avail of a wide range of e-books and electronic journals to assist them in their learning.  The programme will also include training on the methodological, practical and ethical aspects of historical research and investigation.

Entry Requirements

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
• English language qualification if English is not your first language
• Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
• A copy of your birth certificate or passport

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.