Program Overview

British Cultural Heritage Programme

The British Cultural Heritage programme covers the best of British heritage, allowing students to explore the art, architecture, literature, music, design, and popular culture that form the basis of Britain's culture and heritage. This programme provides an opportunity to earn credits for study and introduces students to the study of heritage sites.

Programme Details

• Duration: 21 July - 8 August 2025
• Course Type: Summer School, Undergraduate

Programme Outcomes

On completion of the course, students will receive a full transcript and have the opportunity to:

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the role of cultural heritage in the West Midlands region.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the UK's heritage sector and some of the important organisations that manage heritage in the UK.
• Communicate research on an aspect of heritage and its value to society.

Field Trips

Field trips may include:

• Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site: Recognised for its unique contribution to the birth of the Industrial Revolution.
• Liverpool World Heritage Site: A key trading centre in the 18th and 19th centuries, renowned for its culture, particularly as the centre of the "Merseybeat" sound.
• Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare Institute/Shakespeare Birthplace Trust): A picturesque market town and birthplace of William Shakespeare.
• Oxford: Known as the 'city of dreaming spires', home to the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Lectures

Lectures are designed to underpin the field trips and provide background information about the field trip locations and their significance to British cultural heritage. Lectures are delivered by academic staff from the University of Birmingham and may include:

• Introduction to Heritage: Exploring what is meant by 'cultural heritage', why it is significant, and how it is protected and managed in the UK.
• Museums and Collecting: Understanding museums and their collections.
• The Historical City of Liverpool: An introduction to the history and heritage of Liverpool.
• A Song of Stone, Visiting English Castles: An introduction to the history of castles in England.
• All about Shakespeare: Exploring the history of Shakespeare and the role of the Shakespeare Institute and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Self-Directed Study and 'Out-of-Classroom' Learning

Self-directed study is an essential aspect of the programme, with students encouraged to take initiative during field trips and lectures. Students will have the opportunity to explore sites on their own or in groups, with staff available to answer questions.

Assessment Methods

At the end of the three-week programme, students will present their impressions of the UK's cultural heritage based on observations and experiences. A pass requires a minimum of 40% in combination with a minimum attendance.

Entry Requirements

To be accepted onto the British Cultural Heritage programme, students must meet the BISS Entry Requirements. Students who wish to gain external credit should speak to their own institution to see if they will accept credits. In previous years, students have received up to 20 UK credits, 5 US credits, or 10 ECTS.