Cultural Heritage (MSc)
Introduction
This programme provides you with the knowledge and skills to enter the professional world of cultural heritage. Building on established archaeological expertise at the University of Aberdeen, you will learn about current policy and practice and apply your knowledge at heritage sites, working directly with heritage professionals and local communities.
Begin your studies in either January or September, and jump-start your career in cultural heritage management, professional archaeology, or education and research. Apply Today.
Eligible international students can save £8,000 off tuition fees with the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Learn More.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September or January
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The MSc Cultural Heritage provides essential training in the practical and theoretical elements of cultural heritage. It is suitable for students from a wide range of academic backgrounds who wish to pursue opportunities in heritage agencies and organisations, professional research units, local authorities, museums or the education sectors.
During this one-year multi-disciplinary Masters programme you will study heritage in Scotland and further afield to understand the social, political and regulatory frameworks which cultural heritage professionals operate in.
With opportunities to undertake a community heritage project and the option for a work placement, you will learn to tackle real-world challenges, preparing you for a variety of careers in the culture and heritage sectors.
With three study pathways, you can choose optional courses based on your particular interests or career aspirations:
- Culture and Museums Pathway - for those who aim to work in the museum sector or cultural sector more broadly, being involved in collections management, heritage tourism, education, and policy. This includes everything from open air museums to large national history galleries and more
- Heritage Sector Pathway - for those who seek to join the heritage sector, working at heritage agencies or historical and archaeological sites, performing management tasks, assessment, and public outreach. It is also for those interested in further postgraduate research in archaeology and/or heritage studies
- Archaeological Heritage Pathway - for those who want to work or to pursue postgraduate research in archaeology. Research themes will focus on the archaeology of the circumpolar north or heritage science, relating to prehistoric themes or techniques for heritage preservation
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Cultural Heritage
- Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location
- Aberdeen
- Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January
- Location
- Aberdeen
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £10,000
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
-
University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £22,000
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £14,000
-
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Field Work
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
Why Study Cultural Heritage?
- The University of Aberdeen is ideally placed for studying archaeology and heritage due to the vast number of archaeologically significant locations in Aberdeenshire, and the Highlands and Islands. Our location provides easy access to numerous ancient sites and institutions where students can undertake fieldwork (interviews, observation, site surveys and more)
- Study at an internationally renowned university for Archaeology. The University of Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK for Anthropology and Archaeology (Guardian University Guide 2025) and in the Global Top 150 for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
- Choose from three different pathways to tailor your postgraduate qualification to your area of interest. Previous students have successfully been employed in positions such as heritage consultants, museum engagement officers, research assistants, and field archaeologists. Some have also moved onto the international scene in heritage expert forums on preservation such as ICOMOS
- You will gain a solid understanding of the meanings and management of cultural heritage in the modern world, with added depth in archaeological heritage. You will learn the principles and practices that guide heritage selection and protection level and be trained in tasks that are directly applicable to professional roles in the heritage sector
- Our department enjoys close working relationships with a wide range of local, national and international actors in the growing heritage sector, giving our students valuable opportunities to gain real-world experience through field visits and work placements
- You will become well-versed in current and future challenges in the field, discussing issues with heritage professionals through workshops and excursions. There is a specific focus on identity politics and contested heritage. How does heritage figure into international politics? Why did the distant past become a factor in Brexit and in European debates on immigration? A second major focus is on community engagement. Who is represented by current frameworks for heritage management?
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
This is a broad-reaching course, exploring the multi-disciplinary nature of the heritage environment and community engagement and is suited to students from various backgrounds looking to pursue careers in the heritage sector.
Applications are open to students presenting a 2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in Archaeology or a related discipline such as History, History of Art, English, Geography, Anthropology, Humanities, Social Sciences or Environmental Sciences.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
Upon completion of this programme you are equipped with both the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed by employers within the heritage sector, including museums, local authorities and government agencies, historic trusts, and other cultural and conservation bodies.
In addition to the core courses taught, you are able to tailor your studies to your particular interests or career aspirations by selecting one of our three study pathways.
Graduates have gone on to roles in curation, archaeology and heritage consultation, teaching, tourism management, and research. This programme also prepares you for further study at the PhD level
Career Opportunities
- Curator
- Field Archaeologist
- Heritage Manager.
- Museum Officer
- Project Archaeologist
- Public Engagement
- Researcher
- Tourism Officer
What our Alumni Say
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Dr Elisabeth Niklasson
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX