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Overview

There is a global interest in heritage as it has diverse economic, social, and political importance. Heritage encompasses the surviving traces of the past, but also the processes and practices that frame heritage in the present and their impact on the future.

You will acquire a sound foundation in current debates about heritage and its relevance in the world, as well as practical training in issues relating to its conservation and management.

You will be taught by expert academics who will use their research to inform your learning. Case studies, field visits and input from heritage professionals introduce you to specific kinds of heritage and ‘real-world' challenges, demands and opportunities. Cutting-edge research training provides you with an excellent foundation for conducting independent research in your dissertation, whilst vocational skills are embedded throughout the course to produce competitive, work-ready graduates.

Additionally, the University of Stirling has a partnership with the National Trust for Scotland to enhance research, teaching and learning. The National Trust for Scotland is Scotland’s largest conservation charity, with over three million people a year visiting the more than 100 sites it cares for, including ancient houses, battlefields, castles, gardens, coastlines and islands.

For MSc Heritage students, this partnership offers unique learning opportunities ranging from student placements with the National Trust for Scotland, case studies and field trips in teaching, guest lectures by experts from the Trust, and networking and research opportunities.

The course provides you with excellent training for a career in the heritage sector, supported by critical thinking, in-depth knowledge and wide-ranging skills to also support career development in related sectors such as museums, arts management, and creative industries. It also provides a strong foundation for doctoral research for any students contemplating a PhD in Heritage or a related area.

Our graduates are extremely well-placed to address current challenges and debates surrounding heritage and play an active role contributing to sustainable and resilient heritage futures.

Course objectives

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Show critical understanding of the theories, concepts and principles used in heritage studies and heritage practice, as well as apply them to complex interdisciplinary problems and evidence.
• Demonstrate an intensive, detailed and critical knowledge of heritage.
• Understand and deploy conservation policy and national/international heritage legislation to various ‘real-world’ scenarios.
• Apply critical reflection, analysis, evaluation and synthesis to developments, issues and challenges at the forefront of heritage research and practice.
• Use a significant range of vocational skills, digital techniques and specialised practices associated with the heritage sector.
• Search, retrieve, manage and analyse information from a wide variety of sources, including texts, numerical data, material culture, buildings, landscapes and people.
• Design, conduct and present an independent piece of research, informed by principles of ethical research.