The program puts the diverse cultures and heritages of London at its core but takes a global perspective on the ways in which heritage is experienced, articulated, produced, curated, and consumed. Drawing on the whole School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the course is unique in the way it combines historical, anthropological, religious, literary, philosophical and creative, and creative approaches to the study and practice of cultural heritage, in a single degree.
The MA draws on the University's well-established and wide-ranging network of partnerships with cultural heritage groups, collections, and institutions to inform classroom and field-based teaching, and to provide material for student study and projects. For example, students will benefit from Roehampton's partnership with Wandsworth Council's Arts and Heritage Directorate, which is perfectly placed to provide opportunities to engage in community-based projects, collections-based displays, and events. The MA’s practical and professional focus provides an excellent springboard for placements in a diverse range of cultural heritage organizations.
Roehampton’s own rich 180-year heritage, including its buildings, archives, landscape, its four colleges and the surrounding area gives students an opportunity to experience hands-on study within a heritage setting.
Through the integration of professional skills across all modules, the program equips students to engage with contemporary issues and succeed in professional life. For those who choose to do so, the program offers the opportunity to create a heritage project portfolio to gain experience in project design, implementation, and evaluation.
Although designed for students interested in careers in the heritage professions broadly defined, MA Cultural Heritage is a course that would suit students with an interest in any aspect of cultural heritage or a desire to undertake further study or research in a wide range of related fields.