MPhil in Heritage Studies

The MPhil in Heritage Studies focuses on the interdisciplinary field of Heritage Studies. The Department of Archaeology is the principal institution providing heritage studies teaching within the University of Cambridge at the MPhil level. It also draws upon the resources of several other Departments and Faculties in the University of Cambridge to support its teaching programme and reflect and promote the interdisciplinarity which is characteristic of the field.

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

• in-depth knowledge of the different theoretical approaches to heritage;

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

• a thorough understanding of the the main national and international frameworks for heritage policy;

• training in the methods employed by professionals in the field;

• transferable skills 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 Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.