Helwan University
Helwan University was founded in 1975 and is a member of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities. Today, the institution comprises 20 faculties, 50 reserach centres and other associated units. Since it was established, Helwan University has grown to become one of the major state universities in Cairo. In that role, the university considers it to be its responsibility to train a cadre of highly qualified graduates who can contribute to the comprehensive development in Egypt. Considering the high density of globally significant heritage sites and the equally high relevance of heritage tourism sites in the country and the wider region, Helwan University wants to respond to the need for well-trained experts knowledgeable in the fields of tourism and heritage conservation.
Heritage Conservation and Site Management is incorporated into the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management. This faculty was the first faculty of its kind in Egypt and the Middle East, and is the main national centre to provide training for tour guides. The Tourism Guidance Department, which has a variety of faculty members specialized in Egyptology, Archaeology and History, also offers courses on the preservation and management of cultural heritage. Its aims are to prepare qualified managers of heritage sites, ensuring sustainable usage of such sites as tourism attractions, providing the best possible service to visitors, while at the same time preserving the site for future generations. The Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management works closely with the Ministry of State for Antiquities. It is represented on the Board of the Egyptian Museum and the scientific committee for the project of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus - Senftenberg
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg promotes a unified approach to research, teaching and technology transfer, and has a strong international, interdisciplinary orientation. In accordance with the profile of a technical university, the mission of the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is to consistently ensure excellent educational and research opportunities in terms of training qualified specialists, strengthening the industrial landscape and facilitating knowledge transfer with respect to research findings and innovative discoveries.
The strong international orientation of the university was recognized by the German Rectors’ Conference (Hochschulrektorenkonferenz) with the “University Communication Prize 2011 – The Cosmopolitan University”, as well as by the Stiftungsverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with the second prize in the competition “The International University - 2011”.
German Archaeological Institute (DAI)
The German Archaeological Institute (DAI) will support with its expertise the development and implementation of the Joint Master’s Programme in Heritage Conservation and Sites Management.
There are five main areas in which the participation of the DAI is envisaged:
- curriculum development;
- organisation of guest lectures at Helwan University (the course on Archaeology will be entirely conducted by DAI experts);
- transfer of expertise to and further qualification of the academic staff of Helwan University;
- support in the development and implementation of practical study projects in Egypt with direct relevance for the management and presentation strategies of heritage sites;
- organisational support in the networking with relevant heritage organizations in Egypt and facilitation of their involvement in the study projects developed for the Master’s programme.
Egyptian Ministry of State for Antiquities
The Egyptian Ministry of State for Antiquities, previously known as the Supreme Council of Antiquities, is responsible for the protection and promotion of Egypt’s cultural heritage. It formulates and implements all policies concerned with antiquities; issues guidelines and permits for the excavation, restoration, conservation, documentation, and study of sites and monuments; and manages a country-wide system of antiquities museums.
The Ministry has expressed its approval to support the development and implementation of the Joint Master’s Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management with its professional, organisational and managerial expertise.