Our heritage management programmes are taught at the Ironbridge International Institute for Cultural Heritage, situated in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site in Shropshire, and run jointly by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and the University.
You will study an introductory module, Understanding Heritage, followed by four other core modules, with each module lasting two weeks, and a one-week residential study school. For the MA, you also complete a 15,000-word dissertation.
You will study five core modules:
Understanding Heritage
This module seeks to introduce the core values of heritage and looks at the evolving national and international charters and systems that underpin the delivery of heritage protection. It looks at heritage in all its forms: tangible and intangible, official and unofficial and critically examines how heritage works and happens.
Heritage Conservation Management
Everyone responsible for a part of the heritage is working with a finite resource which must be managed appropriately to ensure its long term survival. Key concepts such as stewardship and sustainability are considered in this module. The premise that creative conservation can only be achieved through economic viability and accountability runs through the sessions. Core training is provided in conservation and planning legislation, visitor management, integrated management of historic properties, collections management and carrying capacity.
Business Management and Finance for Heritage
During this module you will examine finance in heritage situations with a focus on fundraising and funding applications. You will be provided with an introduction to management and financial accounting, strategic management, income generation, personnel management, performance appraisal, and budgeting. Current issues such as museum charging, arts sponsorship, European funding and The National Lottery are fully considered.
Heritage Marketing
Marketing is the range of activities which enables a heritage organisation to address a wide public and to select target audiences when appropriate. Marketing adjusts the organisation's messages to the outside world, and seeks to further its interests as laid down in policy objectives. This module introduces the basics of marketing theory, mechanisms of marketing, exploring the product, the marketing mix, using the media, market research, marketing strategy and applies them to heritage organisations.
Heritage Interpretation
This module explores good practice in interpretation, the art of revealing to visitors the meaning and significance of objects and places. The philosophy of interpretation is considered and issues such as selectivity and bias are debated. Interpretation is considered in the contexts of recreation management, tourism, education and museums. Key concepts include communication theory, interpretative planning and programming, exhibition design and layout, visitor behaviour, interpretative media, language for interpretation, monitoring and evaluation.
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2013/14 are as follows:
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MA: Home / EU - £5,130; Overseas - £13,200
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Diploma: Home / EU - £3,420; Overseas - £13,200
Learn more about fees and funding
Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available.
For further information, visit the College of Arts and Law scholarships page or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk
International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.