Museums and Heritage Practice MSc

This module examines the skills and methodologies required for advanced archaeological, historical and heritage research. Students gain the opportunity to explore a range of skills and to build on their existing knowledge and expertise, including how to identify relevant resources, how to appraise and critique research publications, and how to construct and analyse historical and archaeological evidence. This module therefore lays the groundwork for larger research projects such as the dissertation. Through this module, students are afforded the opportunity to engage with the practicalities of undertaking research in the archive and in the field, considering varying approaches to active and pro-active research. Students will learn how to work with historical and archaeological practitioners, organisations and digital resources, honing their craft with cutting edge research methods and practice.

Why and how does the past matter? Why and how do academic researchers tackle the human journey and its significance in today's world? Spanning the disciplines of history, heritage studies and archaeology, 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.

This module explores museum studies in theory (museology) and practice, providing an advanced introduction and analysis of current debates around collections management to equip students for Masters-level research and museum practice. We explore major themes in the theory and practice of museums, beginning with their origins as cabinets of curiosity and wonder, analysing the development and consequences of museum collecting and research, exploring the role of museums in past, present and future social and political agendas. Modern approaches to curatorial practice, ethical collecting, treatment of human remains, artefact provenance and recording, research, conservation, presentation to inform public engagement, volunteering and education are analysed in light of the needs of the objects and source communities, local, regional and international audiences, stakeholders and best practice guidance from the Museums Association and Collections Trust.

This module explores the identification and cultural significance of archaeological, built and cultural heritage sites, by analysing key concepts in the research, preservation, management and interpretation of heritage in local, national and international frameworks. We analyse the rise of heritage protection for historic sites and buildings to understand past societies, senses of place, purpose, authenticity, identity and community. Real world case studies investigate the purposes and formation of the built environment. We explore heritage sites and cities from Chester and Shropshire, the northwest and Wales, to analyse decision-making and best-practice in research, preservation, interpretation and management of artefacts, archaeological sites and cultural heritage in a variety of settings, such as Portable Antiquities, historic houses, sacred and fortified sites and townscapes, within the cultural, socio-economic and political context of the British Isles and of World Heritage. We uncover key debates in listing and significance, preservation, planning and interpretation, beauty and decay, past ownership and future re-use, and ask, in light of UNESCO's identification that 'Culture' is an essential pillar of sustainability, how contemporary society can balance the needs of researchers and educators, varied public stakeholders, audiences and communities, and the natural world in caring for heritage sites and historic landscapes.

Each student researches and writes a 12,000-word dissertation on a historical, archaeological, museums or heritage-related topic of their choosing. This must relate to the overarching subject discipline of the pathway being followed. The topic and title is negotiated between the student and the supervising tutor; tutor approval of the topic and title is an essential requirement.  The research dissertation is based upon guided but largely independent research and upon substantial use of a range of primary source materials.

The dissertation module includes taught elements on dissertation prep and design and one to one individual supervision.

This module interrogates specialist approaches to a shared endeavour of history, archaeology and heritage studies: to tell the story, and to critique the stories we tell, about past worlds. In the 21st century this now encapsulates a host of digital and virtual environments as well as more traditional engagements with tangible spaces and places. Material culture studies and social memory are pivotal concepts in this innovative field, allowing us to explore how people create the past through their engagements with physical as well as digital environments. 

Tackling these critical approaches outside of traditional subject-specific silos, through this module you will engage with interdisciplinary and specialist frameworks to enhance your chosen Master’s pathway. Here you will have the opportunity to work with dedicated members of staff to explore topics in depth and to develop your skills as a professional in your particular field. The module allows you to explore a wide range of chronological and geographic landscapes and environments, virtual or physical, through one of two critical lenses, either:  

• Tangible pasts: exploring landscape, material culture and memory in the past and present (incorporating archaeological, historical and heritage theory, method and practice) 

• Digital pasts: evaluating and utilising digital and virtual environments for public history, heritage and public archaeology. 

Students studying the MA Death and Memory pathway will explore the rich interdisciplinary and growing research field of social memory in relation to landscapes past and present. Using case studies from different periods and places, from prehistory to the contemporary world, current debates on landscapes and memory are considered and interrogated, focusing on how people construct and reproduce their sense of history and social memory through space and place. Applications in archaeology, medieval and modern history, and heritage studies, are the primary foci. 

Students studying the MA Public Archaeology pathway will explore themes and debates in digital methods of outreach and engagement, developing the skills and knowledge to undertake participatory research in History and/or Archaeology. You will explore the use of digital 'citizen science' research methods, the application of social media and digital technologies for outreach and engagement, as well as examine history and archaeology in, and as, contemporary digital popular culture. 

Students on the MSc Museums and Heritage Practice or MA History pathways may choose either of these topics to suit their interests and professional development.  

This module offers experiential learning opportunities for students on the MA Archaeology, MSc Museums and Heritage and MA History pathways in the form of bespoke placements, experiential or research projects that are embedded in professional practice.   Projects allow students to develop applied skills in public archaeology, history, museums and heritage through a closely defined piece of work. There is considerable flexibility in the design and scope of these professional projects, but they may include digital work, placements or research projects undertaken either internally or externally. Each project will enable students to understand the demand, design, purposes, commissioning and delivery of specialist research and practice across the heritage and public engagement sectors. 

Archaeology, History, Heritage and Museum Studies all place a high value on research project work and the communication of that work to the public.  The skills and capacity to carry out and present subject research according to required professional formats, accessibly and concisely for a range of audiences is an essential skill of the researcher. Demonstrating desk-based, collection-based, heritage or public engagement research expertise is also a key aspect of professional practice.  

Projects will be arranged to reflect your interests and according to your pathway of study may reflect on: 

• Curation and collections management 

• Material culture studies or archives 

• Museums and heritage learning and public engagement 

• Digital research or development 

• Educational resources 

• Relationships between archaeology and the public 

• Archaeological, museums or heritage research practices, such as display 

• Sector research and strategy