Does the MA Heritage Studies cover contested heritage and restitution?

Yes. Contested heritage, restitution debates and decolonising practice are core modules on the MA Heritage Studies. The curriculum reflects the current professional debate UK and international heritage organisations are working through.

Are placements part of the MA Heritage Studies?

Structured placements at major UK heritage sites are part of the on-campus route. Online and distance students complete equivalent placement-style projects, often with their own employer or a local heritage body, with tutor support.

Is the MA Heritage Studies aligned with ICOMOS standards?

The heritage policy and site-management modules are designed around ICOMOS standards, Historic England frameworks and UK heritage law. The MA Heritage Studies is not itself an ICOMOS qualification but maps to the professional context graduates will work in.

Can the MA Heritage Studies be taken part-time?

Yes. The MA can be taken over 24 months part-time, with the same placement and dissertation requirements. Online and distance routes are available; many students are working heritage professionals.

What dissertation can I write on the MA Heritage Studies?

A 12,000–15,000 word piece of original research on a heritage theory, policy or applied management question. Past dissertations have included community-led heritage projects, contested-monument case studies and climate adaptation strategies for historic sites.

MA Heritage Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Heritage Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK Master's degree for graduates and working heritage professionals targeting senior roles in heritage management, public history and curatorial practice. You will study heritage theory, contemporary debates over contested heritage, applied site-management practice and the legal-and-policy frameworks UK heritage operates under.

This is a research-informed MA built around the working reality of UK heritage in 2026 — debates over restitution, the funding squeeze on local museums, the climate-change pressure on built and natural heritage, and the rise of community-led heritage. By the end you can contribute to senior decisions at a site or institution.

Key Features

One-year UK Master's degree in heritage studies — twelve months full-time, twenty-four months part-time.
Heritage theory and contested heritage — restitution debates, decolonising heritage, contemporary critical voices.
Applied site-management modules — visitor management, conservation, interpretation.
UK heritage law and policy — listing, scheduling, planning, Historic England, ICOMOS-UK standards.
London heritage placements at major UK sites for on-campus students.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation with a named supervisor across the year.

What You Will Learn

The MA Heritage Studies is structured around the working life of a senior heritage practitioner — read the site, situate it in the relevant frameworks, design an interpretation or management strategy, defend the decisions. You finish able to contribute at senior level to heritage organisations and to step into doctoral study if you choose.

Heritage theory — value, significance, authenticity, contested heritage.
Decolonising heritage — restitution debates, source communities, ethical curation.
UK heritage law and policy — listing, scheduling, planning, Historic England framework.
International heritage frameworks — UNESCO World Heritage, ICOMOS standards.
Site management — visitor management, conservation, interpretation, accessibility.
Public history — community engagement, oral history, public-facing programming.
Heritage and climate — climate adaptation for sites and collections.
Research methods — heritage-specific qualitative and quantitative methods.

Who This MA Is For

Bachelor's graduates in history, archaeology, anthropology or related disciplines.
Working heritage professionals — museum staff, site managers, heritage charity workers — targeting senior roles.
Civil servants on heritage briefs (DCMS, Historic England, local authority heritage teams).
Career changers from teaching, librarianship or community organising moving into heritage.

Career Pathways

MA Heritage Studies graduates move into senior heritage management, curatorial, policy and research roles across UK and international heritage organisations. Typical first or next roles include:

Heritage Officer (Historic England, National Trust, local authority)
Museum Curator (national, regional or specialist museum)
World Heritage Site Manager (UK or international site)
Public History Programmer (museum, archive, community body)
Archaeological Researcher (commercial archaeology, university unit)
Heritage Policy Adviser (DCMS, devolved heritage body, charity)

The MA serves as a strong stepping stone toward doctoral study in heritage, museum studies or public history.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant professional experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, heritage experience and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant heritage experience.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.