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.