Heritage Management MA/Diploma/Certificate (distance learning)

Summary

This programme provides advanced vocational qualifications in heritage management for those seeking qualifications in this sector. It equips you with the skills needed for museums work, conservation and regeneration, the management of historic buildings and landscapes, and cultural tourism. This programme mirrors that delivered on site at the Ironbridge Institute – see Heritage Management MA/Diploma.

Key facts

Type of Course: Distance learning, continuing professional development

Duration: MA – 24 months part-time, Certificate – 12 months full-time

Start date: September 2012

Entry requirements

Learn more about entry requirements 

International students
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries – learn more about international entry requirements

Standard English language requirements apply

Contact details

Mrs Janice Fletcher
The Ironbridge Institute
Tel: +44 (0)1952 432751
Email: j.p.fletcher@bham.ac.uk or visit www.ironbridge.bham.ac.uk

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

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Fees and funding

PG certificate (60 credits / 12 months): £2030
MA (180 credits / 24 months): £3045 per year

For further information please contact Mrs Janice Fletcher at The Ironbridge Institute on +44 (0)1952 432751 or email: j.p.fletcher@bham.ac.uk.

Learn more about fees and funding 

Scholarships and studentships
 Scholarships may be available; email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

For further information contact the School directly or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk

Programme overview

This programme is managed by the Ironbridge Institute, run jointly by the University and the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, and draws on the experience of one of the largest independent museums in Britain.

The programme provides advanced vocational qualifications in heritage management for those who wish to enter this sector. It equips you with the skills needed for museums work, conservation and regeneration, the management of historic buildings and landscapes, and cultural tourism. Distance learning is supplemented by two one-week long study weeks that use a rich variety of other museums and sites to illustrate particular aspects within the modules and provide an opportunity for networking with your fellow students.

The programme has proved successful in providing both entry qualifications and continued professional development in these fields, and has a strong reputation in the sector.  

Programme content

To complete the full MA you will study these modules:

  • Understanding Heritage 
  • Heritage Conservation Management
  • Business Management & Finance for Heritage
  • 5 day study week at Ironbridge
  • Heritage Marketing
  • Heritage Interpretation
  • 5 day study week at Ironbridge

You will also complete a dissertation

The programme is delivered by online teaching materials and one weekend residential study school.  

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Course structure

This is a web-based programme which covers all of the components of the Ironbridge Institute’s conventional MA programme. It is delivered usingWebCT , a virtual learning environment which provides teaching and support materials (see below). Students on the programme are expected to improve their learning by visiting heritage sites during the 24 months of registration. 

Structure and Delivery 

The MA by DL begins in late September or early October with an Induction Day in Birmingham which allows you to meet your tutors and fellow students and to familiarise yourself with the way the programme works, particularly the online materials which are used for all the taught modules. Each module is taught online via WebCT and involves regular online tasks or discussions to facilitate your learning. 

The modular structure is identical to the conventional MA course, and it follows the same order. Each module covers a wide range of current issues pertinent to the heritage sector. Most modules are assessed by a 4000-word report-style assignment.   

You complete five modules and then go on to write a 12,000 word dissertation, supported by your personal tutor, on a topic of your choosing. In both years of the programme, there is a five day Study School which you must attend and is assessed. It is also valuable in reinforcing elements of the programme you have just studied and provides and excellent opportunity to socialise with your fellow students and tutors. 

The programme follows this pattern over the two years (dates are approximate): 

First year 

Second year 

Further information

dlstudents
MA Distance Learning students at Belsay Hall on their study week in Northumberland

video transcript

Why study distance learning?

The main advantage of studying by distance learning is the flexibility. You can study at home, in your own time and at your own pace, so you can combine achieving a qualification with work or family commitments. Our distance learning programmes have multiple start dates throughout the year so it gives you the option of choosing when to commence your studies with us (excluding Shakespeare). Our programmes are high quality and focussed on you and your needs.

Career changing

A qualification from the University of Birmingham can be the springboard to promotion with your current employer, the platform from which to launch a new career or simply a way to become more effective in your current role.

Studying by distance learning has the benefit of allowing you to develop your career without having to leave employment. It also means that you can apply new knowledge and insights to your working life while you are still studying; many students choose to tackle work-related topics in their dissertations.

And of course, studying at the University of Birmingham is a rewarding and enriching experience that brings about significant personal development.

Support

Although self-study is central to doing a programme distance learning support is always available from tutors at the University.  Our programmes are designed to keep you in touch with fellow students and tutors. The 'virtual learning environment' provides a focal point and helps provide a structure for your learning.

Materials

Our study materials are produced by academic staff in the specialist areas and are available online through the University's 'virtual learning environment'. They contain aims and objectives, reading lists, summaries of readings, activities and commentaries, discussion and reflection tasks, indexes and details of assignments required. On joining you are provided with a course handbook that introduces you to the team, provides details of their roles and expertise and gives all the contact information you will need including email addresses so that if you have any difficulties or questions you will know who to contact for help and guidance.

Personal Tutors

In addition to the full time Birmingham based tutors you will be assigned a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors are available to answer questions regarding the content of your programme, and also to give advice and provide clarification if you don't understand something, for example what an assignment question demands.