Description

The international Master’s programme in World Heritage Studies equips students with the practical skills and theoretical foundations essential for identifying, protecting, managing, and presenting cultural and natural heritage sites. Established over 25 years ago, it was the first programme in the world to design its curriculum around the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. This interdisciplinary approach integrates the humanities, architecture, conservation, ecology, management, tourism, and related fields, encouraging critical reflection on the role of heritage in contemporary society and addressing challenges such as demographic change, environmental fragility, and economic disparities.

The programme is offered in two possible study modes: on-campus study, which allows students to study on-campus but also access online learning modules and content. Alternatively, a fully online-access-based study mode is available, which allows those whose professional or personal circumstances prevent relocation to study remotely.

Over the past 25 years, our alumni have worked in the heritage sector worldwide - at World Heritage properties like Petra or Bamberg, in international heritage organizations like UNESCO or ICCROM, at national institutions like Ministries of Culture or National UNESCO Commissions, at non-governmental heritage institutions like the European Heritage Volunteers or ICOMOS - making significant contributions in various professional roles and contexts.

Professional Fields of Activity

Our graduates work across a broad spectrum of professional fields and provide us a variety of institutions we continue to cooperate with in teaching and research, including UNESCO offices and national commissions, heritage sites, heritage organisations in both the public and private sectors, consultancy firms, tourism operators, museums, universities, and other heritage-related institutions. The inspiration, curiosity, professionalism, and networks developed through this programme enable each graduate to personalise their relationship with World Heritage, offering a unique and qualified perspective to the field.

Applications and Admissions

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or equivalent in Cultural Sciences or other study areas relevant to the World Heritage Studies curriculum (Humanities, Social Sciences, Architecture, Archaeology, Art History, Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Cultural Management or Tourism);
• English language proficiency demonstrated in one of the following ways: TOEFL internet-based with a score of 79 points or higher; IELTS Academic with an overall band score of 6.5 or higher; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English with grade B or higher; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English with grade C or higher.