UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
Cultural Heritage Studies MA
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€41k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Ranked 3rd in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2025 for Archaeology and HeritageWorld-leading Department
- Access to UCL's extensive art and archaeology collections, including the Petrie MuseumUnique Collections
- Proximity to major cultural institutions like the British Museum and British LibraryPrime London Location
- Flexible structure with theoretical or practical pathwaysCustomisable Learning
- Opportunity to take modules from other leading UCL departmentsInterdisciplinary Study
This Master's program offers a comprehensive study of cultural heritage, focusing on its role in contemporary global contexts. You will explore key theoretical approaches and practical issues within the heritage sector, engaging with experts in heritage, museums, and archives. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing you to tailor your studies towards a more theoretical or practical focus, and to incorporate interdisciplinary learning from departments like Anthropology, History of Art, or History. This program is ideal for those seeking to shape policy or practice in the heritage field, pursue further academic research, or enter employment within the broad heritage sector.
Curriculum
The programme is structured across one calendar year for full-time students or two years for part-time students. Teaching occurs during Terms 1 and 2, with core modules and optional modules available. Students identify a dissertation topic and supervisor in Term 2, beginning dissertation work in Term 3 and continuing over the summer, supported by research skills sessions.
- Year 1 (Full-time)
- Critical Perspectives on Cultural HeritageARCL0149
- Critical Heritage Research SkillsARCL0189
- DissertationARCL0089
- Year 1 (Part-time)
- Critical Perspectives on Cultural HeritageARCL0149
- Critical Heritage Research SkillsARCL0189
- Year 2 (Part-time)
- DissertationARCL0089
Careers
This degree equips you with transferable skills highly valued by employers across various sectors. The program focuses on developing theoretical and critical analysis, research capabilities, practical heritage skills, creativity, articulation, and an understanding of ethical issues in heritage management. You will learn problem-solving and effective collaboration.
- Heritage professional in museums and heritage consultancies
- Roles in environmental sustainability and the cultural sector
- Journalism and media
- Civil Service and governmental/non-governmental organisations
- Tourism and heritage management
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students for the Cultural Heritage Studies MA programme?
- The tuition fee for international students for the full-time Cultural Heritage Studies MA programme is £35,400 for the 2026/27 academic year.
- How long does the Cultural Heritage Studies MA programme take to complete?
- The programme is structured to be completed in one calendar year for full-time students or two years for part-time students.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Cultural Heritage Studies MA?
- Applicants typically need an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard in a relevant subject.
- What is the English language proficiency requirement for this programme?
- International students are required to meet Level 2 on the IELTS test. Specific score requirements can be found on the UCL International Students website.
- When is the application deadline for the Cultural Heritage Studies MA programme?
- The application deadline for visa applicants is 26 June 2026, 5pm UK time, and for non-visa applicants, it is 28 August 2026, 5pm UK time. Applications open on 20 October 2025.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Cultural Heritage Studies MA?
- This degree equips you for roles such as a heritage professional in museums and heritage consultancies, positions in environmental sustainability and the cultural sector, journalism and media, the Civil Service, and tourism and heritage management.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeAn upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard in a relevant subject.
IELTSLevel 2
International applicants can find country-specific equivalencies on the UCL International Students website. Please contact Graduate Admissions for specific advice on qualifications.
Fees
Tuition (international)£35,400 (full-time, 2026/27)
Tuition (home)£16,800 (full-time, 2026/27)
Living—
Fees are for the 2026/27 academic year. Part-time fees are typically half of the full-time annual fee.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsReview the academic and English language requirements for the Cultural Heritage Studies MA.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather academic transcripts, degree certificates, English language test results (if applicable), and personal statement.
3. Submit ApplicationApply online through the UCL graduate application portal. For applicants requiring a visa, the application deadline is 26 June 2026, 5pm UK time. For those who do not require a visa, the deadline is 28 August 2026, 5pm UK time. Applications open on 20 October 2025.
4. Await DecisionUCL will review your application and notify you of the outcome.
5. Accept Offer and EnrolIf offered a place, follow instructions to accept and complete enrolment procedures.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students for the Cultural Heritage Studies MA programme?
+
The tuition fee for international students for the full-time Cultural Heritage Studies MA programme is £35,400 for the 2026/27 academic year.
How long does the Cultural Heritage Studies MA programme take to complete?
+
The programme is structured to be completed in one calendar year for full-time students or two years for part-time students.
What are the academic entry requirements for the Cultural Heritage Studies MA?
+
Applicants typically need an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard in a relevant subject.
What is the English language proficiency requirement for this programme?
+
International students are required to meet Level 2 on the IELTS test. Specific score requirements can be found on the UCL International Students website.
When is the application deadline for the Cultural Heritage Studies MA programme?
+
The application deadline for visa applicants is 26 June 2026, 5pm UK time, and for non-visa applicants, it is 28 August 2026, 5pm UK time. Applications open on 20 October 2025.
What are the career prospects after completing the Cultural Heritage Studies MA?
+
This degree equips you for roles such as a heritage professional in museums and heritage consultancies, positions in environmental sustainability and the cultural sector, journalism and media, the Civil Service, and tourism and heritage management.