Program Overview

International Heritage Management by Distance Learning (Online) MA / PGCert

The International Heritage Management by distance learning (Online) MA / PGCert program at the University of Birmingham is designed to enhance your career in the heritage sector by gaining expert knowledge and practical experience. This flexible distance learning course allows you to learn from heritage experts with practical experience working in the industry.

Course Overview

The program develops 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.
• Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, assignment preparation, and independent study.

Course Highlights

• You’ll benefit from national and international partnerships with government, third sector, NGOs, and charitable organisations.
• These include UK heritage organisations such as Chatsworth House, Historic England, Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, and the National Trust.
• 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 the 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.

Course Delivery

• At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in History and Heritage.
• 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.

Module Information

• The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation.
• Modules run for one term. Each module involves set reading and questions you’ll respond to via online discussion boards.
• The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change.

MA Programme

The following must be taken on the MA programme:

• Critical Approaches to Heritage | 20 credits
• Heritage Conservation Management (DL) | 20 credits
• The Business of Heritage DL | 20 credits
• Dissertation International Institute for Cultural Heritage DL | 60 credits
• Heritage Interpretation (DL) | 20 credits
• Research Skills, Sources and Methods in Heritage Studies DL | 20 credits

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

• Activism, Politics & Protest in Contemporary Britain: Digital Histories | 20 credits
• DL Tourism Management at World Heritage Sites | 20 credits
• Herodotus the first historian | 20 credits
• Sites and Sources in Modern British History | 20 credits
• The City Called Holy: Jerusalem from Rome to the Crusades c. AD 1- AD 1050 (DL) | 20 credits
• The Making of the World: Themes in Global History | 20 credits

PGCert

The following must be taken on the PGCert programme:

• Critical Approaches to Heritage | 20 credits
• Heritage Conservation Management (DL) | 20 credits
• The Business of Heritage DL | 20 credits

Entry Requirements

• To gain a place at Birmingham, you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course.
• Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
• A 2:1 Honours Degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• 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

Fees and Scholarships

• The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment, and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
• Fees for 2026 entry are £5,625 part-time.
• 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.

Application Process

• To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
• Application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants is 28 August 2026.
• We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.

Career Opportunities

• By studying a postgraduate degree in Heritage at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths.
• These skills include the ability to collate together information, strong written and verbal communication skills, and analytical skills.
• 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.