Death and Memory MA

Program Overview

Death and Memory MA

Overview

The MA in Death and Memory is a chronologically broad course that explores the complex history of death and memory, from the treatment of the body in the earliest hunter-gatherer societies to thinking about how people dealt with the dead in twentieth-century conflict.

Course Details

• Level: Postgraduate
• UCAS Code: N/A
• Start date: Oct 2025, Oct 2026
• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Location: Exton Park, Chester
• UK fees: £8,775 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International fees: £15,000 (2025/26)

Course Structure

• Advanced Research Skills: This module examines the skills and methodologies required for advanced archaeological, historical, and heritage research.
• Critical Perspectives on the Past: This module provides an advanced-level introduction and engagement with current theoretical and applied debates on the meaning of the human past and its significance in today's world.
• Death & Memory: Key Themes: This module comprises an advanced survey and assessment of theory and method in the study of death, burial, and commemoration.
• The Body: Past Perspectives: This module explores the role of the body in death rituals and in constructing memories and identities across cultures.
• Professional Project: This module offers experiential learning opportunities in the form of bespoke placements, or experiential or research projects that are embedded in professional practice.
• Historic Landscapes and Digital Worlds: This module interrogates specialist approaches to a shared endeavour of history, archaeology, and heritage studies.
• Research Dissertation: Each student researches and writes a 12,000-word dissertation on a historical, archaeological, museum, or heritage-related topic of their choosing.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline, e.g., History, Archaeology, Classics, Anthropology, Geography, or other arts, humanities, and social science subjects, or equivalent qualification is required.
• International Students: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline, e.g., History, Archaeology, Classics, Anthropology, Geography, or other arts, humanities, and social science subjects, or equivalent qualification is required.
• English Language Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency to IELTS 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each band or equivalent.

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student.
• Modern learning resources and library: We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library.
• Fitness facilities: Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities.
• Student Services: Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.
• Chapel, chaplaincy, and multi-faith spaces: Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services.
• Accommodation: Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.
• Catering: We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £8,775 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,000 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• Scholarships: The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee.

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: Students may go on to find meaningful employment in the industry or pursue a research degree.
• Careers service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.