Program Overview

Cultural Heritage, MSc

Introduction

This programme provides you with the knowledge and skills to enter the professional world of cultural heritage. Building on established archaeological expertise at the University of Aberdeen, you will learn about current policy and practice and apply your knowledge at heritage sites, working directly with heritage professionals and local communities.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

The MSc Cultural Heritage provides essential training in the practical and theoretical elements of cultural heritage. It is suitable for students from a wide range of academic backgrounds who wish to pursue opportunities in heritage agencies and organisations, professional research units, local authorities, museums or the education sectors.

During this one-year multi-disciplinary Masters programme you will study heritage in Scotland and further afield to understand the social, political and regulatory frameworks which cultural heritage professionals operate in.

With opportunities to undertake a community heritage project and the option for a work placement, you will learn to tackle real-world challenges, preparing you for a variety of careers in the culture and heritage sectors.

With three study pathways, you can choose optional courses based on your particular interests or career aspirations:

• Culture and Museums Pathway - for those who aim to work in the museum sector or cultural sector more broadly, being involved in collections management, heritage tourism, education, and policy.
• Heritage Sector Pathway - for those who seek to join the heritage sector, working at heritage agencies or historical and archaeological sites, performing management tasks, assessment, and public outreach.
• Archaeological Heritage Pathway - for those who want to work or to pursue postgraduate research in archaeology.

Programme Fees

• EU / International students: £22,000
• UK: £10,000

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
• Managing the Past: Heritage Politics and Practice (AY5010)

Optional Courses

• Decolonising Museums (AT5053)
• Northern Worlds (AY5001)
• Theory and Method in Research (AY5002)

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• Managing the Present: Heritage Communities and Representation (AY5510)

Optional Courses

• Northern Peoples and Culture (AY5501)
• Advanced Archaeological Approaches (AY5504)
• Public Engagement for Arts (EL5596)
• Cultural Property Issues: Law Art and Museums (LS55UU)

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• Research Project in Cultural Heritage (AY5909)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc: 12 months or 24 months, On Campus Learning, Full Time or Part Time, September or January, Aberdeen

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: 2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in Archaeology or a related discipline.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS Academic: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 90, PTE Academic: 62, Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: 176.

Careers

Upon completion of this programme you are equipped with both the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed by employers within the heritage sector, including museums, local authorities and government agencies, historic trusts, and other cultural and conservation bodies.

Career Opportunities

• Curator
• Field Archaeologist
• Heritage Manager
• Museum Officer
• Project Archaeologist
• Public Engagement
• Researcher
• Tourism Officer

What our Alumni Say

• "I chose this program at the University of Aberdeen because there's so much exciting, ground breaking research happening in the department."
• "The materials are hugely varied and set you up really well in terms of background knowledge and professional skills."
• "I gained an in-depth knowledge of national and international heritage legislation, its origins and its applications; experience in community engagement and bringing heritage back to the community; and much more."