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Cultural History, Memory and Identity MA (PGCert PGDip)

  • Intro
  • Course
    content
  • Careers
  • Entry
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  • Fees
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Intro

On this MA you will examine how cultural constructions of history and memory are fundamental forces in shaping contemporary life.

Our programme will equip you with the analytical, critical and practical skills needed to make new historical accounts and representations, and to investigate a variety of cultural forms and practices in a global context. Topics range from oral history and digital media to the contested memorial landscape and struggles for social justice. 

Your lecturers have expertise across cultural, social and political history, cultural, literary, film and visual studies, and the history of ideas – and we take an interdisciplinary approach.

The course has three pathways, each of which explores a particular field with a distinctive thematic and methodological focus. The pathways are:

  • Cultural Memory
  • Making Histories: Public History and Heritage
  • ‘Race’, Nation and Ethnicity

We offer flexible modes of study for students with personal or professional commitments.

Our courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis in order to make sure that what you learn with us is relevant and that your course enables you to develop appropriate skills. When you apply to study with us, we will inform you of any new developments in your chosen programme.

Key facts

Location Brighton: City campus

Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years

Join an online event

Apply online

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Apply now for your place

Joining the Cultural History, Memory and Identity MA at Brighton was one of the best decisions I've made for both my academic and professional development. The course is well structured and challenging, and the tutors always gave me as much support as I needed. I loved it!

Amy Gee, Cultural History, Memory and Identity MA 

Course content

How this course is delivered

Students have a blend of on-campus and digitally enabled remote learning that keeps everyone safe, connected and involved in university life. Lots of opportunities are provided to interact and engage with lecturers and other students. The balance between online and on-campus learning varies by module, and in response to the external environment.

Cultural Memory pathway

The Cultural Memory pathway explores distinctive approaches to questions of history making, historical consciousness and the cultural significance of the past, as developed in the dynamic and fast-evolving field of memory studies. It focuses on the social, cultural and political processes that produce a sense of the past for particular societies and groups, and on the relationship between these collective, public dimensions of remembering and forgetting and the domain of personal memory. Central themes and issues include:

  • the representation of the past, and of the past-present relationship, in diverse cultural practices and forms (oral, textual, visual, digital and material)
  • the role of cultural memories in the formation of beliefs, ideologies and identities
  • conflict over the significance of the past
  • contested sites of memory and memorialisation
  • the politics and ethics of remembering and forgetting
  • Holocaust memory

The two-semester pathway introduces cultural memory theories and practices by engaging a wide range of sites, contexts, forms and media. Students build a strong repertoire of analytical skills for understanding the importance of cultural memory today. You will study concepts of individual, collective, transgenerational and multidirectional memory, the contested nature of shared memory, and how the ‘memory boom’ of recent decades is big business, a new field of academic inquiry and central to struggles for social justice. On this foundation, the pathway continues by developing a detailed investigation of Holocaust Memory. Students consider survivor testimony, fiction, film, public histories, the memory and memorialisation of the Holocaust in Germany, the transition of the Holocaust from ‘lived memory’ into history and the globalisation and commodification of the Holocaust.

Modules

  • Cultural Memory: Concepts, Theories and Methods
  • Holocaust Memory
  • Research Methods
  • Research Project

Two option modules from a range including:

  • Heritage in a Global Context
  • Cultural Theory
  • Aesthetics
  • Forms of Warfare and Violent Conflict
  • Causes of War: Theories and Framings
  • Conflict, Security and Human Rights
  • Globalisation and Global Politics
  • Philosophy Foundations and Critical Theory
  • Traditions of Critical Theory

 

Making Histories: Public History and Heritage pathway

The Making Histories pathway explores the relationship between public history, history-making, and cultural heritage in the twenty-first century. It introduces key concepts, debates and theories to critically engage with questions of how the past is understood in relation to the built environment, cultural and intangible heritage, heritage policy and community-driven heritage projects. In evaluating differing uses of the past to create cultural heritage in the present, the pathway critically explores the dynamic ways in which heritage in its broadest sense is experienced, negotiated and renegotiated in contemporary global contexts. Central themes and issues include:

  • the social, political and cultural processes through which meanings of heritage are created, recreated and contested by people, groups and communities
  • heritage policy, ‘experience’, inclusivity and public impact.
  • cultural heritage, place, belonging and identity
  • postcolonial, transnational and diasporic heritage
  • the role of heritage in post-conflict contexts
  • affect, embodied memory and cultural practice

The two-semester pathway introduces key frameworks for the critical study of heritage by engaging a wide range of sites, contexts, forms and media. Students will develop critical and  analytical skills for understanding contested meanings of heritage in the present in terms of the relations between institutional policy and local, regional and national communities. On this foundation, the pathway continues by developing a detailed investigation of the complex roles the colonial and imperial past plays in recreating and/or reclaiming cultural heritage in post-conflict, postcolonial and transnational contexts. Case studies normally include Africa, India and Ireland.

Modules

  • Making Histories, Creating Heritage
  • Postcolonial Heritage and Transnational Histories
  • Research Methods
  • Research Project

Two option modules from a wide range including:

  • Cultural Theory
  • Aesthetics
  • Forms of Warfare and Violent Conflict
  • Causes of War: Theories and Framings
  • Conflict, Security and Human Rights
  • Globalisation and Global Politics
  • Philosophy Foundations and Critical Theory
  • Traditions of Critical Theory

'Race', Nation and Ethnicity pathway

Questions of ‘race’, nation and ethnicity (as these intersect with other factors such as class, gender, sexuality and locality) such as immigration, Islamophobia, #blacklivesmatter, and nationalism are key issues of our time. This pathway focuses on the historical processes that produce identities and differences and on the different ways in which they are represented. It investigates how collective experiences, myths and memories are drawn upon in narratives that construct the histories, identities and destinies of racial, national and ethnic groups, which in turn underpin those groups’ ideological and political claims in the present. Central themes and issues include:

  • the historical formation and contested cultural representation of Britishness in relation to ‘race’, nation and ethnicity with a particular emphasis on histories of migration, diaspora and empire
  • images and memories pertaining to places of origin, of belonging, of journeying and settlement
  • legacies of empire and reparative histories
  • commemorative practice and resistance
  • the ethics and politics of the archive
  • radical histories of anticolonialism and internationalism

The two-semester pathway will equip you with critical and theoretical tools to unpack and analyse the significance of migration and empire for cultural constructions of Britishness, and develops methods for the critical investigation of history-making practices in terms of ideology, cultural representation and identity-formation across various sites and forms – visual and linguistic. On this foundation, the pathway moves on to consider the current call for reparative justice within the specific contexts of ‘race’, identity, transatlantic slavery and empire by drawing on key debates concerning the relationship of the past to the present.

You will also examine multicultural and internationalist memories and histories of resistance to empire and their erasures in traditional histories of colonialism. How have the subjects of empire resisted their inscription within colonial renderings of ‘them’ and ‘us’? How does, or how can, the way in which we understand the imperialist past help to inform and understand contemporary anti-racist struggles?

Modules

  • Constructing and Contesting Britishness: Histories, Cultures and Identities
  • ‘Race’ and Reparative Histories
  • Research Methods
  • Research Project

Two option modules from a wide range including:

  • Heritage in a Global Context
  • Cultural Theory
  • Aesthetics
  • Forms of Warfare and Violent Conflict
  • Causes of War: Theories and Framings
  • Conflict, Security and Human Rights
  • Globalisation and Global Politics
  • Philosophy Foundations and Critical Theory
  • Traditions of Critical Theory

Meet the team

Dr Anita Rupprecht, course leader

Dr Anita Rupprecht’s research focuses on the histories and legacies of British transatlantic slavery, resistance and abolition, postcolonial literature and theory, and the politics of cultural memory and reparative justice. Read Anita's full profile.

Other teaching staff include:

Dr Cathy Bergin’s  research focuses on the politics of ‘race’ and colonialism in African American writing, focusing on cultural formations and Communist politics in the 20th Century. Read Cathy's full profile.

Dr Nicola Clewer’s research focuses on the relation between aesthetics and politics in relation to memorialisation, neoliberalism and the rise of the far-right. Read Nicola's full profile.

Dr Deborah Madden is a cultural and intellectual historian, specialising in Protestant dissenting religion and medical missionaries in the British Empire. Read Deborah's full profile.

Student views

Daisy Asquith

Documentary film maker and PhD candidate

"The brilliant teaching on the Cultural History MA re-invigorated my documentary practice by sharpening up my thinking and introducing me to fascinating new ideas and concepts.

"I am extremely glad I chose to study on the course – it inspired me to go on and do a PhD, which I wouldn't have previously thought I could."

Daisy Asquith

Jason Porter

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Cultural History, Memory and Identity MA, particularly the passionate, dedicated teaching staff and the constructive, detailed feedback I received.

"The opportunity to present to a group and the lively seminar debates boosted my confidence enough that I am now embarking on a PhD.” 

Jason Porter

Careers

The knowledge, intellectual skills and confidence acquired through study on this MA provides excellent training for doctoral research. All CHMI students are encouraged to participate in the rich programme of seminars, symposia and conferences, which includes an annual postgraduate conference organised by the Centre for Research in Memory, Narrative and Histories, the Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics, and the School of Humanities. CHMI graduates have a direct route on to our Humanities PhD programme, but have also gone on to doctoral research at other universities.

CHMI students have used the MA to secure work in the education, heritage and museum, health and voluntary sectors, and the course has proved attractive to those looking to develop their careers by augmenting existing skills and experience or by opening new professional paths within their workplace or organisation. We have established a small number of voluntary work placements for our students with the local community history group, Brighton and Hove Black History, and hope to maintain this opportunity as well as establish further volunteering opportunities in future.

Humanities students

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer for this course if you wish to begin studying with us in 2021. They should be used as a general guide. 

Degree and experience
Normally 2:2 honours degree in a related subject in a relevant subject. Candidates who do not have a degree will still be considered for admission if they can demonstrate suitable professional experience or substantial experience of the subject area. 

English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall and 6.5 in writing.

International students whose language skills do not match the IELTS scores set out here should consider applying for this course through the Extended Masters programme at the university's Language Institute.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 7,704 GBP

International (full-time) 15,300 GBP

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in the fee, while studying a course in the School of Humanities are listed here.

  • For a number of courses you will have the opportunity to attend field trips and off-site visits. These are optional and are not required to pass your course but under normal circumstances we would expect a budget of approximately £150 per year will cover the costs of particular trips. The amount spent would be based on location and number of trips taken.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.
  • In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes and should budget up to £150 per year for printing.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £200 to buy your own copies.

You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page if you require further information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships, as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2021–22.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location

Local area

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city’s reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year. Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements, live briefs and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

We provide support and venues for key events in the city’s arts calendar including the Brighton Festival, the Festival Fringe, the Great Escape, the Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Photo Biennial and the CineCity Brighton Film Festival. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice. Our own Brighton Graduate Show transforms our campus into the largest exhibition space in the South East as we celebrate the outstanding talent and creativity of our students.

As a student you’ll get lots of opportunities to experience these events at first hand and to develop your skills through the volunteering and other opportunities they offer.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Campus where this course is taught

City campus

Located in central Brighton, this campus is home to 3D design and craft, fine art, graphic design and illustration, digital music, digital media design, fashion and textiles, history of art and design, humanities, media, photography and film.

The facilities for making and designing, the theatre, galleries, workshops, studios, archives and the independent arts organisations based on site provide a unique and inspiring environment where creativity thrives.

St Peter’s House library and Phoenix halls of residence are close to the exhibition and learning facilities in the Grand Parade main building where you will also find the student centre with careers, counselling, student advice service and disability and dyslexia support. Edward Street provides extensive teaching and gallery space for media, photography and film.

Also on site are Photoworks, Screen Archive South East and University of Brighton Design Archives. Leading visual arts agency Photoworks runs the Brighton Photo Biennial and a national programme which frequently features the work of our graduates, staff and students. Screen Archive South East holds a wealth of material capturing life, work and creativity from the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries. Our Design Archives received the Sir Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education in recognition of our contribution to design history scholarship and the quality of primary materials about British design held in the archive.

The Brighton Pavilion, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, the iconic pier and beach are a very short walk away. The independent shops and businesses of the North Laine and Kemptown, and Brighton main line station, with frequent express services to London, are 10 minutes walk.

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Grand Parade exhibition space

Accommodation

Brighton: City campus

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer. All rooms are self-catered.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • City campus is linked to Phoenix halls, Mithras halls and Moulsecoomb Place.
    • Phoenix halls are a short walk from City campus in the centre of Brighton.
    • Mithras hall and Moulsecoomb Place are located on the Moulsecoomb campus, around two miles from City campus. Public transport in the city is excellent.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Phoenix Brewery Halls Accommodation

Accommodation for City campus is in the nearby Phoenix Halls

Student kitchen in Phoenix Halls

Student kitchen in Phoenix Halls

Relaxing in nearby Pavilion Gardens

Relaxing in nearby Pavilion Gardens

Maps

City campus map

Stay in touch

Join an online event

Ask a question about this course

Course administrators (for general enquiries)

Amira Driscoll and Clare Baker
01273 643089
A.K.Driscoll@brighton.ac.uk or cb267@brighton.ac.uk

Course leader (for academic enquiries)

Anita Rupprecht
01273 643084
A.Rupprecht@brighton.ac.uk

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