Explore the power of heritage in a global context and consider its relationship to major debates around sustainability, decolonisation, conflict, and human rights.
Multi and interdisciplinary
Expertise across the arts, humanities and social sciences disciplines with teaching delivered by staff from several academic schools.
Impact on people and place
Explore the role of heritage in communities and negotiating identity, and in economic development, sustainability, and human rights.
A global view
Consider the impact of heritage across geographic contexts, from the local and regional to the national and global.
Policy and practice
Gain an understanding of the practical issues related to the management and curation of heritage, and the role of heritage policy.
Hone research skills
Benefit from training in interdisciplinary research methods and develop personal research interests for future career or study ambitions.
Professional placement
Option to undertake a placement at a heritage organisation, developing professional know-how and practical application of knowledge.
Heritage is a broad field of study that addresses the ways in which societies preserve and actively use the things they have inherited from past generations. Our MA in Global Heritage provides you with a thorough and critical understanding of the role of heritage in the contemporary world, paying particular attention to transnational developments and the impact of globalisation on the sector. While exploring the specificities of national, regional, and local contexts, you will learn how to relate these contexts to globally important heritage debates, for example around sustainability, decolonisation, the impact of conflict and climate change on heritage, and the relationship between heritage and human rights.
The programme provides you with opportunities to address these and other issues in a comparative, international context. If you already have experience of working in the heritage sector, this programme will allow you to broaden your frame of theoretical and geographical reference. If you have no previous experience of the heritage sector, this programme will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to heritage as a matter of policy and practice.
The programme works with a broad conception of heritage, focusing not only on tangible culture (e.g., historic sites, buildings, monuments, museums, and artefacts), but also on intangible cultural heritage (e.g., traditional skills and crafts, creative and social practices, rituals and festivals). You will engage in key heritage debates around the role of museums, visual heritage, the role of heritage in communities, monuments and commemoration, cultural landscapes, and minority languages, among other issues. The programme draws on the rich heritage resources of Wales to provide you with insights into the impact of the sector.
Led by the School of Modern Languages, the programme draws on the expertise of staff across the arts, humanities, and social sciences disciplines at Cardiff University, which benefits from a wealth of research and teaching experience in the field of heritage. You will be taught by researchers active in the field of heritage and benefit from insights into their ongoing research projects.
We're committed to delivering programmes that are innovative and relevant, providing the best learning outcomes and career prospects for our students. In light of this, we're currently reviewing some elements of this programme. As such, the details shown are subject to change and indicative only. You can still apply now. We'll update this page and contact all offer holders when the review is complete to confirm any changes.
Where you'll study
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements. Criminal convictions You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to: