World Heritage Conservation

GradDip World Heritage Conservation
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 60)

The Graduate Certificate in World Heritage Conservation are part-time, online, distance learning courses designed to equip you with current thinking and professional understanding of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The programme will provide you with the knowledge base, skills and confidence to address World Heritage issues and to advance your career in this field.

• The only World Heritage Distance Learning course in Ireland and one of the first of its kind in the world
• A multidisciplinary programme offering modules in natural and cultural heritage
• Designed for professionals and motivated participants working in areas related to the nomination and conservation of World Heritage Sites
• A part-time, online, distance learning course with an international focus on heritage conservation

Course Description
On successful completion of the programme students will be able to:
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, its implementation including the processes of inscription and monitoring of World Heritage properties;
• Identify and analyse the role of key actors and instruments in global heritage conservation;
• Understand theory and practice of conserving natural heritage, i.e. species, ecosystems and biodiversity, and cultural heritage, i.e. monuments, sites and landscapes.

Building on knowledge gained in the first year, completion of the 2-year Graduate Diploma will provide students with practical skills and a more specialised understanding of the application of the Convention. For example, on successful completion of stage 2, students will be able to establish a management plan framework and apply management plan methodology to cultural and natural sites.

• UCD World Heritage
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• IUCN World Heritage Programme
• ICOMOS World Heritage
• ICCROM

Vision and Values Statement
The online World Heritage Conservation course is aimed students who wish to build their knowledge base regarding the implementation of the World Heritage Convention and gain a broader understanding of the issues and policies surrounding the conservation of cultural and natural heritage. We value students that are active, motivated, autonomous learners and demonstrate an ability to clearly and effectively communicate their ideas. The course considers the needs of a broad spectrum of end-users by enabling them to study remotely and independently in parallel with their personal schedule. We aim to provide a learning environment that will encourage students to critically assess heritage conservation concepts and policies and to exchange ideas and experiences with their peers online. The course provides for self-directed learning, within a supportive framework facilitated by a variety of media, including lectures, virtual classroom seminars and discussion boards. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach and uses international case studies to explore different approaches to cultural and natural heritage conservation. Assessments include critical writing, project work and reflective study journals to assist students in assessing the development of their own understanding and knowledge of the material presented.

This programme will introduce you to the science that underpins the practice of heritage protection. You will receive a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the following topics:

Stage 1 - Option
Cultural Heritage ConservationARCH40900
World Heritage ConventionARCH40910
Natural Heritage ConservationARCH40920
Management PlanARCH40940
Conservation StrategiesARCH41430
Climate Change Law and PolicyLAW41090

The programme is designed to accommodate applicants with a variety of academic qualifications including Archaeology, Architecture, Geography, Biology, Arts, Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Science and Economics. We welcome a diverse group of participants with a wide range of experience in different areas of cultural and natural heritage, to provide for a dynamic forum for discussion and interaction. Applicants are normally expected to have an honours university degree, or equivalent work experience.

If English is not your native language, proof of your proficiency in English will be required, unless you took your primary degree through English in an English speaking country. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL Internet Based Test is 100.

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

Grad Dip World Heritage Conservation Jan PT (F050)
Duration
2 Years
Attend
Part Time
Deadline
Rolling*

Grad Dip World Heritage Conservation PT (F041)
Duration
2 Years
Attend
Part Time
Deadline
Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

2 years part-time. Mode of Delivery : Online.

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

Careers & Employability
With 190 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, nearly a thousand properties inscribed on the World Heritage List and an expanding number of properties on the Tentative List, all of which face conservation challenges, there is a growing need for professionals who understand how the Convention operates in terms of nomination, monitoring, conservation reporting and mitigation of threats.

Reflecting the spirit of the Convention, to safeguard natural and cultural heritage through an integrated approach, this programme provides graduates with a unique multidisciplinary perspective addressing conservation issues of both natural and cultural heritage.

We give you the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the working of the Convention and for decision making in areas related to the nomination and conservation of World Heritage properties.

Advancement in international conservation for managerial and policy positions in government, agencies, private practices and NGOs. The qualifications will contribute to career development for heritage custodians and stewards, ranging from national heritage and conservation officers to international conservation agencies.