MA in Public History
Last Updated: March 7, 2022
Department of History
Heslington, York YO10 5DD
Director(s)
Dr Victoria Hoyle
+44 01904 322955
Program Introduction
Based in the Department of History (ranked 2nd in the UK for history research performance; a QS World Top 50 department), the MA in Public History was launched in 2012. We welcome 20-25 full time (1 year) and 2-5 part-time (2 year) students each year. The program is offered in partnership with the Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past (IPUP), an interdisciplinary center that brings together scholars from history, cultural heritage, archaeology, TV, Film and interactive media studies, English literature and art history. Approximately 100 students have graduated from the program, a key feature of which is the for-credit 10 week work placement. This capitalizes on our location in a world-famous heritage city.
Degrees Offered
- M.A. in Public History
- Ph.D. in History with a Certificate or Concentration in Public History
Program Strengths
- Archival Practices
- Film/Video
- Historical Archaeology
- Historic Preservation
- Local/Community History
- Material Culture
- Museum Studies
- Oral History
- Public Policy
Credit Hour Requirements
10 hours per credit
How Many Students are Admitted Annually
BA230
MA20-25
PhD2-3
MAs produced last year
24
Full-time Program Staff/Faculty
Dr Victoria Hoyle – Director of IPUP, Convenor of MA program, Lecturer in Public History
Dr Geoff Cubitt – Reader in History, former Director of IPUP and MA convenor
Dr Hannah Greig – Reader in Early Modern History, historical film and TV consultant (Poldark, Bridgerton, Sanditon etc.)
Dr Elizabeth Spencer – Lecturer in Eighteenth Century and Public History
Financial Aid Available
The University offers a number of competitive scholarships and full/partial tuition waivers to international students. The Department also had a number of scholarships and full/partial waivers, which are open to international as well as home students.
Deadline To Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Job Placement Assistance
All students are encouraged to take a 20 credit work placement as part of the MA, which is organised via the department in partnership with local and national heritage/history organisations. Placements are available with museums, libraries, archives, historic sites, media companies and more.
Job Placement Percentage Within One Year
90%Employers Who Have Hired Graduates from this Program within the Past Five Years
Our graduates are now working as curators, archivists, public history program managers, project managers, tour managers, visitor experience hosts and public history academics.
Community & Institutional Connections
We have wide connections throughout the local, regional and national public history sector in the UK, collaborating with national institutions (such as the British Library, National Archives and National Science Museums) as well as small community and activist organisations.