Cultural Heritage, MSc

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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 Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen More
MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen More

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category Cost
EU / International students £22,000
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions
UK £10,000
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year Graduates of the University of Aberdeen are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, which reduces the tuition fee to £7,000, in line with the current tuition fee loan amount offered by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). Please see the following for full terms and conditions: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/653

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 starting in September 2025 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 100 for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
  • 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?

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.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

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
Image for useful fact about this Subject

Useful Fact about this Subject

Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK for Anthropology and Archaeology (Guardian University Guide 2025) and in the Global Top 100 for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

What our Alumni Say

Kelly Sue Jin

Kelly Sue Jin

Kelly Sue Jin

Graduated 2024

I chose this program at the University of Aberdeen because there's so much exciting, ground breaking research happening in the department. There aren’t many cultural heritage programs available at the Masters level and this offers a comprehensive curriculum with many opportunities to develop practical knowledge and skills in the field. I cannot emphasise enough how much I've learned; we were given the opportunity to learn various aspects of researching and presenting a project to the public.

Katja Watson

Katja Watson

Katja Watson

Job Details
Graduate Archaeology and Heritage Consultant, SLR Consulting
Graduated 2022

The materials are hugely varied and set you up really well in terms of background knowledge and professional skills. I gained an in-depth knowledge of national and international heritage legislation, its origins and its applications; experience in community engagement and bringing heritage back to the community; and much more. Post-graduation I managed a restoration project in Portugal on an early 20th century Quinta, and I am currently working as a Cultural Heritage & Archaeology consultant.

Zikui Xia

Zikui Xia

Zikui Xia

Job Details
Masters Student, University College London
Graduated 2023

This program will not only provide you with an understanding of what cultural heritage is, but will also train you in the skills of heritage conservation and management, and most importantly, you will learn important theories and methods of heritage critique. In particular, the course “Politics of Heritage” inspired me with a sense of social responsibility and how to use heritage critique to fight for justice, fairness, freedom and equality in our society.

Yashasvi Jingar

Yashasvi Jingar

Yashasvi Jingar

Job Details
Archaeology Lab Technician, University of Glasgow
Graduated 2022

I wanted to learn about the heritage of the UK, international heritage policies, and the challenges of protecting cultural heritage worldwide. I was also keen to understand how local cultures and communities are preserved and protected. This programme offered all these aspects, making it the perfect choice for my career goals. It provides a strong foundation in heritage policies, museum practices, and cultural preservation, along with opportunities for hands-on learning and research.

Shaun Wilson

Shaun Wilson

Shaun Wilson

Job Details
Visitor Advisor, Meffan Museum and Art Gallery
Graduated 2022

I would highly recommend the cultural heritage course. It has a wealth of knowledge that set me up to work in various aspects of the heritage field. I learned new academic and research skills that I have successfully taken forward in my job and own independent research, and my confidence greatly improved during the academic year thanks to Dr Niklasson and the atmosphere the classes provided. It’s a great learning environment, and I say this as an adult with neurodivergence's.

Lexis Howard

Lexis Howard

Lexis Howard

Job Details
Duty Manager, Aberdeen Arts Centre
Graduated 2023

I was attracted to this degree programme and ultimately chose it due to the opportunity for a work placement, as well as the location. The combination of hands-on experiences including a class trip to Orkney, the knowledge you gain, the experts teaching it, and the location all made this programme not only worth it, but make it an incredible experience you won’t get elsewhere. I highly recommend anyone considering this programme to apply.

Laura Burnett

Laura Burnett

Laura Burnett

Graduated 2023

I wanted to enter the heritage sector and this degree suited my interests - I was particularly invested in issues related to representation and inclusion. Definitely consider this programme if you are interested in the heritage sector. I personally enjoyed it very much. The lectures are superb, the courses were enjoyable, and I got to experience archive research and on-site archaeological research as part of my studies.

Alexandria Nora Franklin

Alexandria Nora Franklin

Alexandria Nora Franklin

Job Details
Teacher
Graduated 2021

I chose the cultural heritage programme because I wanted to learn how to preserve and possibly restore these national treasures for future generations. I also wanted to learn skills that could crossover into the museum field. There are field trip opportunities to beautiful, heritage-rich locations, such as Dunnottar Castle, and the professor is excellent, well-informed, down to earth, and very helpful.

Our Experts

Programme Coordinator
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