MA Public Histories

The MA Public Histories at Birkbeck University of London is a unique program that combines the study of historical methods and practices with the analysis of public culture. Students will learn how to interpret and communicate historical information to diverse audiences, developing skills in critical thinking, cultural analysis, and public engagement. The program offers a flexible structure, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their interests and career goals. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in museums, archives, heritage organizations, and other public history settings.

Additional Information

The MA Public Histories at Birkbeck University of London is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program. It is designed for students who want to pursue a career in public history, including those working in museums, archives, and other cultural organizations. The program is also suitable for those interested in exploring the relationship between history and public culture, including politics, media, and education.

Unlocking History: Why Study Public Histories at Birkbeck University of London?

Birkbeck University of London is an ideal location for this program due to its proximity to major cultural institutions such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Birkbeck's History Department is known for its interdisciplinary approach to the study of history, which provides a rich environment for exploring the many facets of public histories. The university's location in central London also offers easy access to a diverse range of cultural and historical resources.

Our MA Public Histories will introduce you to key aspects and issues of the practice of public history. It will provide you with the necessary theoretical and practical skills to undertake critical assessments of public history projects and interventions - as well as to create your own. Its focus on public history in practice will provide you with a wide range of examples of different types and methods of public history, from museums and material culture to public history in the media, to the role of history in policy making. This course aims to give you a sense of the wide range of public history, the variety of roles played by historians in public, and the importance and impact of public history in politics, culture, and society.

The course provides relevant training for careers in media, education, museums and heritage, publishing, and policy, and it also provides rigorous training in the historical discipline suitable to prepare you for further personal or professional research, or research at MPhil/PhD level.

Graduates can pursue career paths in research and archiving, education, the heritage industry, publishing, media, journalism, and the charity sector. Possible professions include:

• historian

• higher education lecturer

• archivist

• journalist

• heritage manager

• politician’s assistant

• academic librarian

• museum/gallery curator.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

The usual requirement is a second-class honors degree (2:2) or above in a humanities subject, as well as references. We may request writing samples or ask you to attend an interview, if you don't meet the entry criteria but have non-traditional educational or professional qualifications/experience.

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.