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This Global Heritage MA explores and evaluates national and international measures and mechanisms that seek to manage and protect tangible and intangible heritage. Students gain a critical understanding of World Heritage Sites – the nomination process, management, and forward planning: particular emphasis is placed on sustainable tourism and the need to engage local communities in their heritage. The role of cultural heritage within past and contemporary societies forms a key element of this Global Heritage MA and students are introduced to a range of issues central to current debates on the definition, diversity, and contested nature of heritage on a global and national scale.  

Embedded in this Global Heritage MA is a strong training element to enhance career prospects. Workshops are provided on public history (approaches and community engagement; oral history (techniques and ethics); digital heritage sources; writing for the media; and heritage project management – all valuable transferable skills for employment in the heritage sector. The close proximity to ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the ‘Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd’ and the newly inscribed 'Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales’ is an asset to this programme and provide case study opportunities for students. 

This is our Full-time on campus course. We also offer a Distance Learning option with a September and an January start (MA Global Heritage (MA/GHDL). 

What will you study on this course?

Core and Compulsory modules:

Cultural Heritage: Critical Perspectives - This module provides students with a critical understanding of theoretical approaches to cultural heritage and their practical application. It introduces current debates on the diversity and contested nature of heritage, both tangible and intangible, on national and international levels. Emphasis is placed on how heritage shapes identities and on efforts to democratise heritage by involving local communities and marginalised groups.

World Heritage: Protection, Management and Sustainability - This module looks at the concept of world heritage, the history of organizational development and ongoing efforts to widen the remit for protection to encompass the diversity of world heritage. It critically evaluates the processes undertaken to inscribe sites on the World Heritage List, and, drawing on case-studies, provides a detailed understanding of the intricacies involved in running and managing a World Heritage Site. Attention is also given to sustainable tourism by exploring practical and theoretical approaches, with particular emphasis on supporting local economies.

Research Skills - This is an advanced level skills module that provides training in initiating research projects; teaches students to critique research seminar papers; and builds skills to enhance future employability. It introduces students to various research-related skills and career options, including writing for media and policy makers, archive management, heritage trail development, oral history interviewing, IT and dataset skills, teaching skills, and public history.

Dissertation: -This module equips students with the necessary skills and resources to conduct independent research leading to the production of a thesis based on a topic related to global heritage.

Optional modules may include:

Reinterpreting the Country House - On this module students explore and interrogate major themes and questions relating to the history and influence of Welsh country houses and estates, their owners, and associated communities. Ultimately, the module presents an opportunity to apply research skills to real-world heritage practice, by designing and developing a unique heritage interpretation product which actively contributes towards enhanced knowledge and understanding.

Global Wales: Places, Passions and the Past - Global Wales looks at pivotal places that shaped historical connections between Wales and other parts of the world. It focuses both on places of significance in Wales and case studies from beyond its borders and spans the medieval and modern period. Every week students explore a case study of a different place – such as Ukraine, America, Patagonia, India and, in North Wales, the Racecourse football stadium in Wrexham. These locations are discussed in the context of themes such as identity, colonialism, race, migration, gender, heritage and transnationalism.

MA Work Placement - This module provides work experience at MA level and provides students with a range of skills and experience that can be transferred into the workplace.

Theory and Interpretation in Archaeology - On this module students explore key theoretical frameworks and contemporary debates in archaeology. Students learn to engage with critical readings, develop their own theoretical positions, and enhance their research skills through collaborative discussions.

Please note modules are subject to change from year to year, and the above is for guidance purposes only.
 

A minimum 2.ii undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area (e.g. History, Heritage, Archaeology, Literary Studies, Medieval Studies/Literature, English Literature, Social Sciences, American Studies, Law).

Applicants with equivalent qualifications and/or relevant heritage industry experience and applications from working professionals with non-graduate qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact us for more information.

Students graduating with a Global Heritage MA are well-placed to embark on careers in tourism, heritage management, curation, community support and administration, and outreach education.  More broadly, graduates can enter a wide range of employment which require skills of communication, analysis, and an understanding of human nature.  These include teaching, researching, management and administration.