World Heritage Conservation

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



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.

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of:



Please select all three modules.

ARCH40910 World Heritage Convention (Online) Autumn 10

ARCH40900 Cultural Heritage Conservation (Online) Spring 10

ARCH40920 Natural Heritage Conservation (Online) Summer 10

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 should have an honours undergraduate degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent ) with a 2.1 classification (Second Class Honours, Grade one or equivalent*).



However, all applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and relevant or extensive work experience will be taken into account, so that in certain cases an award at a lower level or classification may be considered.



(*equivalencies will vary depending on grade scale of award presented but will generally require a grade average of B or a GPA no less than 3.08)



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.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online.



Who Should Apply?

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes



These courses in World Heritage Conservation are accessible to people from around the world, providing a flexible learning environment for professionals, decision makers, NGOs and other interested parties working in areas related to the nomination, monitoring and conservation of World Heritage properties. Distance learning makes the world your classroom!

1 year, part-time, online.

F049 World Heritage Conservation Graduate Certificate Part-Time Commencing January 2026 Graduate Taught



F040 World Heritage Conservation Graduate Certificate Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught

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.