Holocaust: History, Experience, Heritage MA

About this Course<br/>This MA focuses on the National Socialist genocide of the Jews (the Holocaust) as both a profound historical event and as a source of collective memory from 1945 to the present. You will gain a deep, critical understanding of the different ways the Holocaust has been explored, discussed, and presented globally.<br/>The course is designed and taught by the internationally recognized Parkes Institute for the study of Jewish and non-Jewish relations, which houses one of the largest Jewish archives in Europe. <br/><br/>We are ranked 10th in the UK for research quality (Complete University Guide 2026).<br/><br/>Key Features and Structure<br/>• Distinctive Specialization: The program moves beyond pure history to integrate the critical study of Holocaust heritage, commemoration, and public history.<br/>• The Parkes Institute: You will benefit from the expertise of this world-renowned center and have access to its unique archive of Jewish modern history.<br/>• Practical Skills & Curation: The curriculum includes practical workshops on the curation of Holocaust objects delivered in collaboration with external partners, and a module on public history that involves creating a curation portfolio for a non-academic audience.<br/>• Optional Field Trip: An optional field trip offers a visit to a European Holocaust heritage institution or museum where you will apply interpretative skills as a historian to the visitor experience.<br/>• Specialist Modules: Options include modules on the Holocaust in Art, Film, Literature, and Music or After the Holocaust: Jews and Others after 1945.<br/>• Structure: The full-time course runs for 12 months (or two or more years part-time). The taught phase lasts 9 months, followed by a Dissertation phase over the summer where you conduct original research.<br/>• Course Lead: Dr. Janek Gryta, whose research focuses on the history and memory of Holocaust killing sites in Eastern Europe.<br/><br/>Career Prospects<br/>This degree provides the subject-specific and targeted employability skills needed to work with sensitive historical material in a public context. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in:<br/>• Holocaust Education and Outreach.<br/>• Heritage Curation and Management (museums, archives, heritage foundations).<br/>• Public History and Commemoration.<br/>• Further Research (e.g., progression to PhD study).<br/><br/>Further Information<br/>• Duration: 1 year (Full-time)<br/>• Location: Avenue Campus<br/>• Entry Requirements: A 2:2 degree in History or a related subject.