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Master of Arts in Public History and Cultural Heritage

Basic information
Cultural Heritage Area
Knowledge
Dissemination and Communication
Planning and Management
Programme description

The Public History and Cultural Heritage MA programme provides a structured academic approach to public or applied history. The programme equips students with knowledge and transferrable skills needed to understand and practice history in the public domain, in ‘real world’ settings outside of academia. It combines conceptual, methodological and practice-based modules, engaging with contemporary issues in public history and cultural heritage. The modules engage with contemporary issues in public history and cultural heritage, including controversies, collaborations, and communications. Students learn about public uses and abuses of the past, what this means in theory and in practice, applying knowledge and skills they acquire to their own learning goals. The programme also includes training on academic, practical, and ethical aspects of cultural heritage interpretation, historical research and presentation.

The Public History and Cultural Heritage MA programme is offered as a one-year full-time or two-year part-time postgraduate degree programme (online/blended). The programme is delivered through a combination of modern learning modes, including dialogic learning, active and inquiry-based learning, community interaction, problem-solving and creativity, media literacy, reflective practice, and self-directed learning. Graduates attain a globally-recognised postgraduate qualification in a cutting-edge area of historical practice.

Is the programme a joint degree programme?
No
Double degree
No
Joint delivery
No
Does the E&T programme lead to a formal qualification?
Yes
Name of the qualification (English)
Master of Arts Public History and Cultural Heritage
Education category (HE/VET/HE-VET)
Higher Education (HE)
Education format
Formal
Academic degree
Master
One time event or regular basis
Programme takes place on a regular basis
Frequency
yearly
Last time it the programme took place (start date)
Statistics / Formal status
Core function
R&D and Education
Supplementary functions
Engagement and use
Recognition
EQF
7
NQF
Level 9
Characterization of the E&T programme
Credit system
ECTS
ECTS credits
90.00
Duration
3.00
Semesters
Semesters
Study format
Full-time & part-time mixed
Are there access requirements?
Yes
Access requirements Description

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
  • A brief Personal Statement outlining your understanding and expections of the programme
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
  • If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
    • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
    AND
    • English language competency certificate

    For more information Click Here

Teaching language
English
Programme learning outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

  • Comprehend key themes and practices in the areas of public history and cultural heritage.
  • Develop understanding of the ethical issues around the practice and consumption of history in the public sphere and in the area of cultural heritage.
  • Critically evaluate key issues in practice and research relevant to areas of public history and cultural heritage.
  • Demonstrate digital public history literacy and competencies.
  • Acquire knowledge applicable to museum/archival collections and exhibits.
  • Appreciate issues around the conservation and protection of cultural heritage sites and objects.
  • Build a range of skills and competencies for working in public history and/or cultural heritage.
  • Display practical and cultural competence to work in public history and cultural heritage.
  • Engage in practitioner-based research that contributes to the growth of national and international research in public history and/or cultural heritage.
  • Develop the art of academic writing and advanced historical research skills.
  • Apply skills and insights acquired during the programme to present research to publication standard.
Is there a mandatory (external) practical training?
Yes
Mandatory practical training description

Public History Internship (9 ECTS)

This module is taken by current public history practitioners as work-based reflective practice

Mode of delivery of education / training
Online
Required qualification of teachers/trainers in the core subjects

PhD

Quality assurance obligations of the programme/institution
Yes
Description of quality assurance obligations of the programme / institution

Quality at UL | University of Limerick 

In line with our institutional quality statement, the University of Limerick complies with statutory quality requirements as enshrined in the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 and other relevant national acts. Furthermore, the university takes due regard of relevant guidelines and associated documents published by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI, the statutory body that, amongst its other responsibilities, reviews and monitors the effectiveness of the QA procedures of higher education institutions). 

The Quality Support Unit follows a rigorous process for assessing UL compliance with statutory and related quality requirements. The quality requirements for which assessment-of-compliance exercises are complete, underway or planned are listed below.

QQI Statutory Quality Assurance Guidelines

Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education…

Code of Practice for the Provision of Programmes of Education and Training to I…

Statutory Quality Assurance Guidelines for Designated Awarding Bodies

Policy for Collaborative Programmes, Transnational Programmes and Joint Awards

Topic-Specific Quality Assurance Guidelines for providers of Research Degree Pr…

Topic Specific Quality Assurance Guidelines for Blended Learning

Topic Specific Quality Assurance Guidelines for providers of Statutory Apprenti…

Tuition cost

Full Time:

EU - €6,800 

Non- EU - €16,901

Part Time:

EU - €3,580 per annum

Non- EU - €9,090 per annum

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Are grants available?
Yes