skip to content

Postgraduate Study

The MPhil in Heritage Studies focuses on the interdisciplinary field of Heritage Studies and equips students with a critical understanding of the diverse uses of heritage in the present. The overall aims are:

  • To enable students to attain a critical appreciation of the development of heritage as a public enterprise, its theory, its values and uses. By the end of the course, students are expected to understand the broader context in which the heritage sector operates, the approaches and methods employed by professionals in the field, and to be able to enter a range of professions within the heritage industry.
  • To enable students to think both reflectively and analytically about the field and the nature of heritage. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to apply their critical thinking and knowledge about heritage to particular specialisations and be able to pursue independent research in their field of specialisation.
  • To give students training in a range of general, transferable skills, such as analysing and formulating arguments, writing, presentation, debate, and research skills. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to exercise these skills in any professional-level work which requires them.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this MPhil, students should have:

  • a clear understanding of the broader context in which the heritage sector operates;

  • the ability to think critically and independently about heritage based on an understanding of the different theoretical approaches in the Heritage Studies field;

  • in-depth knowledge of the ethical, epistemic and political implications of heritage theory and practice;

  • a broad and critical understanding of the diverse issues involved in heritage management, as well as an understanding of the types of agents and instruments involved;

  • developed their critical faculties to both think and write analytically about heritage as well as to assess heritage writing, research and practice;

  • transferable skills, such as writing, presentation and data analysis, that allow them to enter a range of professions within the heritage industry and beyond.


Continuing

Students taking the MPhil in Heritage Studies who wish to continue to the PhD in Archaeology are required to
achieve a mark of at least 68 overall and no less than 68 in their dissertation. They must obtain the support of an
appropriate supervisor before making an application. In some circumstances, additional academic conditions
may be set to ensure appropriate skills are in place prior to admittance on the PhD programme.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Apply Now

Key Information


10 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Department of Archaeology

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2026

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
April 29, 2026
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2026

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas , Lent and Easter .


Similar Courses