The Public History and Cultural Heritage (M.Phil.) at Trinity College Dublin offers a comprehensive exploration of how the past shapes the present and is shaped by societal forces. You will delve into the complex interplay between cultural memory, its construction, and its potential loss, examining the public's engagement with history and heritage. This postgraduate degree is ideal if you are passionate about understanding the political dimensions of commemoration, the role of institutions like museums and archives, and the practicalities of conserving and communicating tangible cultural heritage, particularly when interpretations are contested.
This M.Phil. is delivered full-time on campus over one year, commencing in September and concluding with a dissertation or major project of 12,000-15,000 words. You will engage with a core module on public history and cultural heritage, alongside a suite of elective modules exploring themes such as historical archives, commemoration, and the representation of the past through media and markets. A significant component includes a three-month internship with collaborating cultural institutions and practitioner workshops featuring national and international public historians. You will graduate with advanced research skills and practical experience, prepared for careers in the heritage sector, museums, archives, policy, or further academic study.