COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA History programme combines core and optional modules to provide students with a strong foundation in historical research while allowing them to develop specialist knowledge aligned with their academic interests and career goals. The core modules include Approaches and Challenges, which examines key historical theories, methodologies, and contemporary debates, enabling students to critically evaluate different approaches to interpreting the past. Heritage Enterprise explores the management, promotion, and commercial aspects of heritage, helping students understand how history contributes to industries such as museums, archives, tourism, cultural organisations, and community development. The Sources module develops advanced skills in locating, analysing, interpreting, and critically evaluating a wide range of historical evidence, preparing students to conduct rigorous and independent historical research. The programme culminates in the Independent Project, where students undertake a substantial research project on a topic of their choice, applying advanced research methods, critical analysis, and project management skills to produce a master's-level dissertation. Students also choose one optional module to tailor the programme to their professional interests. History and Policy examines the relationship between historical research and public policy, demonstrating how historical evidence informs decision-making and contemporary governance. Strategic Brand Management explores branding principles and their application within heritage, cultural, and commercial contexts, while Creative Placemaking and Place Branding focuses on using history, culture, and identity to shape places, strengthen communities, and support economic and cultural development. Alternatively, Hospitality and Tourism Experience Design and Innovation examines how historical and cultural heritage can be used to create engaging visitor experiences and innovative tourism strategies. Together, these modules provide an interdisciplinary learning experience that combines historical scholarship with practical knowledge in heritage management, cultural industries, branding, tourism, and public engagement. Graduates develop advanced research, analytical, communication, and professional skills that prepare them for careers in museums, archives, heritage organisations, tourism, cultural management, policy development, education, research, and related sectors, as well as further postgraduate or doctoral study.