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MA by Research/PhD Cultural Heritage (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)

Carry out postgraduate research in Cultural Heritage at the Ironbridge Centre for Heritage (ICH); a unique partnership between the University of Birmingham and Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. The Cultural Heritage (On-Campus or by Distance Learning) programme is offered at University of Birmingham.

Quick Facts

  
Full-Time Duration: 1 year (MA by Research)
3 years (PhD)
Starting in: January, September
Tuition Fee: £20,820 per year (Full-Time)
£10,410 (Part-Time distance learning only)
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom / Online

You will benefit from the ICH’s interdisciplinary approach, with the opportunity to carry out research in all aspects of cultural heritage, heritage management and related areas.

We offer two postgraduate research-only programmes, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or pursue your research at Masters level. Find out more about what to expect from a PhD and MA by Research.

PhD Study as a Visiting Scholar – Researchers undertaking PhDs from universities elsewhere in the world are able to spend short periods of time at the ICH through our Visiting Scholar’s Programme.

Research areas:

  • Developing discipline: The field of cultural heritage is an important and growing field of interest. It is multi-disciplinary in its approach, global in scope and covers a diverse range of issues. As an active member of the International Centre for Heritage, your research will be at the cutting edge of this developing discipline.
  • Excellent facilities: You will have access to collections, archives and exhibitions of national and international significance. For example, the University’s Special Collections and Archives, which consist of approximately 120,000 pre-1850 books dating from 1471 and some 3 million manuscripts.
  • Global networks: As researchers of the ICH you are encouraged to get involved in the organisation of research related events and to benefit from our global networks of academics, policy makers and practitioners.

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

The Cultural Heritage (On-Campus or by Distance Learning) programme from University of Birmingham will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University’s Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

  • Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
  • Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
  • Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
  • Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

Requirements

Our requirements for postgraduate research are dependent on the type of programme you are applying for:

  • For MRes and MA by Research programmes, entry to our programmes usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
  • Applicants for a PhD will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience you may have are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.

If you are applying for distance learning research programmes, you will also be required to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.

Learn more