About this course
Our MSc Business and Heritage Management master’s degree offers a personalised curriculum. It will develop your knowledge and skills in business and archaeology, and make you an effective manager of the world’s heritage.
The heritage industry is a major contributor to the global economy, employing an increasing number of skilled heritage managers. We’ll guide you through modules to develop your understanding of the economic and legal principles of heritage management around the world. This includes museum displays, site presentations, and how heritage shapes national identities.
You'll learn about the theory and practice of assessing, preserving, presenting and mitigating the impact of development on our shared heritage.
We’ll develop your skills in finance, project management and risk management to give you opportunities in both the public and private sectors. You’ll graduate with the skills to work in a wide range of business and management roles in the heritage, tourism and construction sectors.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader specialises in innovative dating methods and the use of isotopes to reconstruct human lifeways. Visit Professor Alistair Pike’s staff profile to learn more about his work.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You'll need a 2:1 degree in any subject which included assessed written academic work.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you’ll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You can take one additional module from elsewhere in the University (including languages) to suit your individual interests and career development.
We’ll also develop your research skills in preparation for your dissertation during this time.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
You can take one additional module from elsewhere in the University (including languages) to suit your individual interests and career development.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
We teach through a variety of:
- lectures
- student-led seminars
- professional project work
- group work
- field trips to heritage sites
- practical sessions with working professionals
Assessment
We’ll assess your progress through a combination of:
- professional reports
- presentations (in groups and individually)
- seminars
- essays
- exams
- your dissertation
Dissertation
You’ll research and write a 15,000-word dissertation to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during the course.
Academic Support
You’ll have access to:
- specialist archaeological labs and reference collections
- relevant computer software and datasets
- an academic advisor to offer advice and support on any academic or personal issues affecting your studies
- a dedicated supervisor for guidance during your dissertation
Careers
This heritage management course will prepare you for work in a wide range of business and management roles in the heritage, tourism and construction sectors, such as:
- government positions in heritage bodies
- private consultancy
- non-governmental organisations
The skills you learn will also be useful for many non-heritage business roles.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £12,150.
- EU and international students pay £20,030.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
You must submit your application by the end of the day on 1 September 2020. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
We cannot guarantee you'll be able to start your course if you do not meet these deadlines.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
- a degree transcript
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000