History and Heritage V192W MA

Program Overview

The MA History and Heritage program at Aberystwyth University combines academic study with practical experience, offering students a comprehensive understanding of heritage studies. Through coursework, workshops, and a mandatory work placement, participants gain expertise in heritage concepts, research methods, and industry practices, preparing them for careers in museums, archives, tourism, and more. The program leverages Aberystwyth's rich history and strong connections with heritage institutions to provide students with a unique and immersive learning experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA History and Heritage program at Aberystwyth University is designed for individuals interested in the academic study of the interplay between history and heritage, as well as those seeking careers in the heritage industry. The program offers opportunities to explore key concepts and debates in heritage studies, acquire heritage business-related skills, and participate in a work placement with a leading heritage organization for academic credit.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• The program can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over 24 to 36 months.
• The program is delivered through a combination of seminars, tutorials, workshops, and a compulsory work placement with a heritage agency.

Course Schedule:

• Year 1 (Full-time):
• Core Modules:
• Dissertation (HYM1160): 60 credits
• Concepts and Sources in Heritage Studies (HYM5120): 20 credits
• Working with History (HYM9920): 20 credits
• Research Methods and Professional Skills in History (HYM0120): 20 credits

Module Descriptions:

• Dissertation (HYM1160): An original research project (15,000 words) undertaken under the close supervision of a specialist within the Department.
• Concepts and Sources in Heritage Studies (HYM5120): Explores key concepts and debates in heritage studies.
• Working with History (HYM9920): A work placement module for academic credit, where students play a full part in the work of a major heritage agency.
• Research Methods and Professional Skills in History (HYM0120): Provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct research in history.
• Optional Modules: A variety of modules are available, allowing students to direct their study of heritage organizations and the presentation of the past in a historical context.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Essays
• Reports
• Group projects
• Practical exercises
• Oral assessments
• Written examinations
• Specific Module Assessments:
• Working with History:
2,000-word analytical diary, 4,000-word essay, and a short oral presentation.
• Research Methods and Professional Skills in History: Oral assessment of MA conference presentation, assessed outline of an MA conference presentation, critical assessment of a departmental research seminar, and a dissertation research proposal.
• Dissertation: Successful submission of the MA dissertation in the final semester leads to the award of an MA.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Work placement
• Departmental Research seminars
• Workshops on researching and writing dissertations
• Individual supervision for dissertation research
• Faculty: All lecturers are research active and recognized as leading authorities in their respective fields.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Museums and archives
• Heritage administration
• Tourism
• Public administration
• Civil service
• Local government
• Teaching
• Journalism
• Broadcast media
• Publishing
• Skills Developed:
• Critical thinking
• Study and research skills
• Academic and practical expertise in heritage and historical processes
• Strong writing and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to structure and communicate complex ideas clearly, accurately, and authoritatively

Other:

• The Department of History and Welsh History at Aberystwyth has strong links with the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments and the National Library of Wales.
• History has been taught in Aberystwyth since 1872, making the department the oldest in Wales and one of the foremost in Britain.
• Aberystwyth University is a top 50 university for research power and intensity (REF 2014).
• Students benefit from small group teaching and expertise across the university when engaging with the concepts of heritage and public history.
• The program engages with a major growth area of research and provides hands-on experience in heritage issues.
• The program is located just five minutes away from the National Library of Wales, one of five UK copyright libraries.