Heritage and Interpretation MA, MSc, PGDip, by distance learning, 18 months-2 years
This is for you if... you want the flexibility of studying by distance learning while gaining the knowledge and skills you need to develop your career in the heritage sector.
Course information
UK fee £10,900
International fee £18,200
Taught by Museum Studies
Distance Learning Team
+44 (0)116 252 2903
dladmissions@le.ac.uk
Programme Director
Dr Sheila Watson
serw1@le.ac.uk
(0)116 252 3967
Course description
Course description
This degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge to shape, manage and interpret heritage sites and objects and become an effective, critical and creative heritage professional.
You will look in-depth at the processes of heritage making, the politics and uses of heritage across the world, and the concepts, theories and creative practice of heritage interpretation.
This course will develop your critical and creative thinking skills and encourage you to engage with the literature, case examples and with other students whilst reflecting on your own heritage and interpretation interests and experiences.
You will take four core modules and, if you are taking the MA/MSc, complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice. This is your chance to delve into your particular interests and extend your expertise. For many, it is the most exciting part of the course, as a self-directed opportunity to contribute new ideas, new knowledge, or critique existing scholarship or practice at an advanced academic level.
By taking the distance learning course, you have the flexibility to fit studying around your existing work and family commitments. Museum Studies at Leicester works with a team of highly skilled Associate Tutors, all of whom are experienced museum and heritage professionals and you will receive excellent support throughout your studies.
This course will especially suit you if you are working in, or looking for employment in, the heritage sector and will also provide an excellent preparation if you wish to go on to pursue PhD research in the Heritage and Interpretation area.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
In recognition of the diverse employment needs of the culture sector, we recognise and credit a range of prior qualifications and experiences.
- Either a first class or second class degree, which can be in any subject area
- Or be able to demonstrate equivalent skills and aptitudes through the possession of a professional or vocational qualification and/or the accrual of relevant work experiences. Relevant experience can come from a wide spectrum of work or voluntary environments but clear evidence of this experience must be provided
You should be able to demonstrate a commitment to, or strong interest in, museums, galleries, or other kinds of heritage or cultural organisation.
If you do not have a degree, you will be asked complete an assessment, such as an essay, so as to demonstrate your readiness for postgraduate study. Clear guidance will be provided on assessment criteria. You may also be required to attend an interview.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
This is the total course fee. Your fee will be determined by where you will be living during your studies.
Starting in October 2023 or April 2024
- MA/MSc: £10,900
- PGDip: £9,810
Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible. (MA/MSc only; not available for PGDip.)
International Students
This is the total course fee. Your fee will be determined by where you will be living during your studies.
Starting in October 2023 or April 2024
- MA/MSc: £18,200
- PGDip: £16,380
Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Our graduates are employed in some of the largest and most prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, in addition to some smaller specialist and local institutions. They include:
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
- British Natural History Museum
- Chatsworth House
- Christies
- Greek Ministry of Culture
- Greenwich Maritime Museum
- Imperial War Museum
- National Galleries of Scotland
- National Museum Ireland
- National Trust
- Rollo Contemporary Art Gallery
- Royal Armouries
- Science Museum
- Guggenheim Museum
- The British Museum
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- York Castle Museum
Our Career Development Service is here to support you – by email, phone or skype – with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience and more. From registration to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Course structure
MA/MSc modules
MA/MSc modules
Core modules
- Introduction to Heritage and Interpretation
- Heritage, Development, and Society
- Cultural Management and Marketing
- Interpreting Heritage in Practice
Option modules
- Objects and Collections: Care, Management and Curation
- Lifelong Learning
- Museums and the Natural Environment
- Digital
- Museums and Contemporary Issues
- Practice
Plus your Dissertation.
A Master of Science (MSc) can be awarded in preference to a Master of Arts (MA) where the dissertation concerns a science collection or museum, or where the nature of the investigation can be termed 'scientific'.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
PGDip modules
PGDip modules
Core modules
- Introduction to Heritage and Interpretation
- Heritage, Development, and Society
- Cultural Management and Marketing
- Interpreting Heritage in Practice
Option modules
- Objects and Collections: Care, Management and Curation
- Lifelong Learning
- Museums and the Natural Environment
- Digital
- Museums and Contemporary Issues
- Practice
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
PGCert modules
PGCert modules
- Introduction to Heritage and Interpretation
- Heritage, Development, and Society
- Cultural Management and Marketing
- Interpreting Heritage in Practice
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
At Leicester we have more than 20 years' experience of offering high-quality distance learning courses. More than 36,000 students have successfully graduated with a University of Leicester qualification studied through distance learning.
This course is based on leading museum studies research and practice. It has been designed by experts in the field, who have been involved in expanding the academic discipline of museum studies over many years.
You can take advantage of our network of 20 associate tutors who are all museum professionals working in the sector.
Teaching and learning
You will be supported by a dedicated team of academic and personal tutors as well as support staff. You will be allocated a personal tutor who can advise you on a range of issues and support you. In addition, for each module you will be allocated a module tutor who is a specialist in that particular field. Your module tutor will support you with academic enquiries relating to that module as well as your essay plans, marking your assignments and providing you with detailed feedback.
Our distance learning course offers carefully designed teaching material and reading which offer flexibility and allow you to fit your study around other commitments.
Time is built into the structure of the programme for the completion of assignments, and wider reading on areas of particular interest to the student, and self-directed study visits and tutorials, which are commented on by tutors, are prompted at various points.
During the summer, you are invited to join the optional non-assessed Summer School week, offering a programme of live, online or face-to-face teaching, discussions, group activities and virtual study visits.
If you are completing a dissertation as part of the MA/MSc course, you will receive four supervisions with your allocated tutor, with support offered between supervisions as and when needed.
There are one or two pieces of assessed coursework for each of the core modules. Together, these form a carefully designed, broad range of assignments including essays, project work, reports, briefs and evaluations as well as practical exercises. Your module tutor will provide you with detailed feedback on each assignment you submit.
Former student Samantha Taylor talks about Distance Learning with Museum Studies at Leicester.
Key dates
Start date: 3 April 2023
Application deadline for April 2023 start: 13 March 2023
Start date: 2 October 2023
Application deadline for October 2023 start: 18 September 2023
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Heritage and Interpretation | Qualification MA | Duration 2 years by distance learning | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Heritage and Interpretation | Qualification MSc | Duration 2 years by distance learning | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Heritage and Interpretation | Qualification PGDip | Duration 18 months by distance learning | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
I’ve benefited greatly from the extensive range of module topics. They’ve filled my knowledge gaps and have enabled me to have a deeper and better understanding, not only of art museums and galleries, but of the whole art ecosystem.