International Heritage Management by distance learning (Online) MA / PGCert

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

The MA runs over 2 years part-time and includes a dissertation. The PGCert runs over 1 year part-time and is a postgraduate certificate where you study three modules without writing a dissertation.

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.
• Fit your studies around your other commitments. Access the course materials online from anywhere in the world at a time that suits you.
• The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025).

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.

2026/27 Session

MA programme

The following must be taken on the MA programme:

Students will choose 20 credits of optional modules from an indicative list.

PGCert

The following must be taken on the PGCert programme:

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 or a Presessional English course.

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

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 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.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

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.

Our Heritage graduates enter many roles, including:

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

Employers our 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.

From application through to graduation, we will support you throughout your exciting online learning journey. As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers.