International Heritage Management by distance learning (Online)MA

Learn from our Heritage experts, who have practical experience working in this industry. You'll develop the skills to be a successful professional in various areas of heritage, such as: working in museums, heritage conservation and regeneration, the management of historic buildings and landscapes, or cultural tourism for a government agency.

Course structure

These include UK heritage organisations such as Chatsworth House, Historic England, Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust and the National Trust. Our international partnerships include Biltmore Estate (US), Nemours Estate (US) and Indian Institute for Heritage.

Benefit from teaching and specialist lectures from leading industry experts to take your practice to the next level.

• Engage with current heritage professionals, who will provide practical insights to enhance your career journey.
• Join an active online community and meet people virtually from all over world – you’ll expand your knowledge of how heritage is operated globally.
• Engage with fellow students and staff during our study week when you will visit leading museums and heritage attractions.

Prepare for your future

Discover the key skills needed to successfully manage heritage sites, like project management, managing volunteers and an awareness of sustainability in the heritage sector. Access virtual learning resources to discuss course content with your fellow students and tutors.

This course is delivered via distance learning using the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Online discussion boards – modules are mainly taught by small group discussions responding to reading and questions set by the module convenor.
• Online resources are uploaded in advance. You can complete activities and take part in discussions at a time that suits you.
• Dissertation – you’ll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.

This course is only available part time, running for two years. 

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2025/26 Session

This distance education programme is normally taken over two years. For information about the spread of the following modules over the duration of the programme, please contact the Ironbridge International Institute for Cultural Heritage.

The following must be taken:

Students should choose one of:

You need to have an Honours degree in a relevant subject, normally at 2:1 or above. You don't need to have prior experience of the subject or of this mode of learning, but we would expect to see evidence of engagement with or enthusiasm about heritage in your personal statement.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

The deadline for all students applying to our distance learning courses is 31 August 2025.

Late applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Tutor for advice.

Our History and Heritage graduates enter many roles, including:

• Events and Exhibitions Assistant and Heritage Guide
• Project Development Researcher
• Collections Assistant

Employers our History and Heritage graduates have worked for include:

• English Heritage
• Historic England
• Cottonwood Mansion Museum

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.