Cultural Heritage Studies (Heritage and the Arts) (MA)

University of Southampton

This is a specialised pathway within the MA Cultural Heritage Studies program with a particular focus on the arts and creative communication. It aims to develop your specialist practical skills in communicating heritage in various artistic and creative genres and platforms, including publishing, broadcasting, heritage management, and arts curation. The pathway explores both land-based and maritime heritage, covering diverse forms such as film and literature, the built environment, and archaeological remains. We're ranked 7th for archaeology and 3rd for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026). Your future career You will graduate with the expertise necessary for a successful career in the heritage and tourism sector, or for further study at the PhD level. The course is designed to equip you with the practical communication and specialisation skills highly sought after in creative roles within heritage. Key features of this course Arts and Communication Focus: Develops hands-on skills in communicating heritage through creative platforms like publishing and broadcasting. Industry Exposure: Gain essential experience through field trips, meeting industry practitioners, and the opportunity to apply for a work placement with one of the University's heritage partners. Flexible Final Project: You can choose to complete either a 20,000-word dissertation or a professional project (such as an exhibition, catalogue, professional report, or guidebook) with a shorter critical commentary (5,000 to 15,000 words). Further information This master's course is a full-time 12-month program. The course content varies depending on the chosen pathway, but common modules ensure you gain a general overview of the subject in addition to your specialist skills. You can also explore specific skills through a variety of optional modules.