This programme is currently not running
The MA in African Studies with Heritage will draw on UCL’s expertise in archaeology and anthropology to provide a critical framework for assessing the management and protection of heritage resources in Africa. The programme will include aspects of research into museums and sites, intangible heritage, local community histories, archaeology, and the presentation and preservation of cultural materials.
All three African Studies pathways share two core courses in term 1, and one core course in term 2. In addition, you will take three optional modules relating to Heritage drawn from Anthropology, Archaeology, and Geography.
The third term will consolidate your learning across core and optional modules as you research and write your dissertation according to your specialist Heritage pathway.
The degrees’ three core courses offer a general introduction to the continents political and economic history, and build on this to provide essential context for undertaking advanced study along each pathway. They also cover essential baseline information on Africa’s socio-political history and key themes of debate relevant to our three MA/MSc pathways. Our research methods course will provide basic training in statistical analysis, presentation skills, interview and archival research techniques.
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words.
Teaching and Learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars and guided independent research. Assessment is through essays, portfolio, research proposal and exam.
We aim for our graduates to be well placed for positions in national and international policy-making bodies, non-governmental development organizations, within national ministries and in the heritage/museums sector.
Through core and optional modules, students will develop skills in research and research ethics, thematic debate, environmental data analysis, familiarity with GIS, archival work, ethnographic field techniques and presentation skills.
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
Who can apply?
All holding a BA or BSc with a 2.1 or better in the Arts, Humanities, Social and Natural Sciences are welcome to apply. This course may be usefully undertaken by graduates from diverse backgrounds as a conversion course into African environmental and developmental studies.
What are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- Why you want to study African Studies at graduate level
- Why you want to study African Studies at UCL
- What particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
- How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
- Where you would like to go professionally with your degree