Heritage, Identity and Place

The degree programme is open to applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds (across the Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Computing Science and Natural Sciences), as well as those in the workforce who wish to obtain a higher qualification in this area.

Your Honours degree or equivalent should be in a relevant subject. Ideally students should have a 2:1 or above in their first degree. We will consider students with a 2:2, but the programme is not recommended for those with a low or borderline 2:2 (or equivalent) in their first degree.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:

1. show a critical understanding of key concepts and theories of heritage, identity and place;
2. analyse the processes involved in the production of memory, identity and place, and their role in shaping our relationship to cultural and natural environments;
3. demonstrate detailed knowledge of a range of case studies and the diverse perspectives associated with them;
4. show an understanding of how policies and practices of conservation, management and representation mediate these processes;
5. develop incisive and creative responses to problems, issues and debates.

Each week you will participate in a thematic seminar that will require reading, preparation, and viewing of recorded content in advance.

At the start of the module, these seminars will focus on key concepts and theories of heritage, identity and place, which will provide a foundation underpinning the rest of the module. In subsequent thematic sessions, we will consider the role of heritage in the making of national, regional and local identities, as well as minority ethnic and indigenous identities.

The relationship between memory, place and displacement is also an important aspect of the module and we will have thematic sessions focusing on local place-making, contested monuments and memorials, and the role of diaspora museums and exhibitions in creating a sense of place for immigrant and refugee communities.

Alongside this, we will consider the role of official or authorised heritage in creating narratives of identity, memory and place and the ways in which this is contested through counter-narratives. Throughout, we will consider the role of conservation, management and interpretation in mediating relationships between heritage, memory, identity and place.

Relevant debates about past, present and future heritage policies and practices (in terms of conservation, management and interpretation) will be discussed. 

The module is delivered through a blend of learning content accessed through the University Portal with in-person seminars on campus. You will be asked to do set reading and a range of stimulating exercises and activities in advance of class. Seminars will involve small-group discussions and guest speakers. A day-long field trip is a highlight of the module, facilitating direct engagement with particular heritage places associated with both official and marginalised heritage values. There is even a virtual field trip resource for those who cannot make it. Your module coordinator will make time available each week for 1:1 feedback. Lecturers will support you to take an active role in your learning and develop independent, critical thinking. 

There will be two assessments. The first is an essay on a topic relevant to the module of your choosing developed in consultation with the module coordinator (3,000 words, 60%). The second is a heritage interpretation project (40%) based on one of the field trip sites. The latter is supported with workshops and peer feedback on draft work.

Professor Siân Jones

The module is designed to promote a critical understanding of the relationships between heritage, identity, memory and place. Importantly you will consider the role of heritage conservation, management and interpretation in sustaining and mediating these relationships. It will enhance your knowledge and skills for employability in heritage and museum sectors by equipping you with independent critical and reflective skills. On successful completion, you should be able to identify opportunities to improve what you do and take action when faced with complex, real-world issues, involving diverse perspectives, traditions and beliefs.