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ARCH40940

Academic Year 2026/2027

Management Plan (Online) (ARCH40940)

Subject:
Archaeology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Archaeology
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
15
Module Coordinator:
Dr Claire Cave
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module provides an in-depth understanding of the World Heritage management planning process and develops practical and critical skills for the preparation and evaluation of management plans for cultural and natural heritage sites. It examines management systems, methodologies and frameworks used in the conservation and management of World Heritage properties and considers how management plans function as strategic tools for the long-term protection of Outstanding Universal Value.
The module explores the challenges involved in balancing conservation, access, stakeholder interests, sustainable use and wider social, environmental and economic pressures within heritage management. Topics include governance and stakeholder participation, traditional systems of management, sustainable use, risk preparedness, external threats, joint management of serial and transboundary properties and the implementation of management priorities under changing societal conditions.
Through international case studies and applied exercises, students will critically examine management planning approaches and complete a management planning project for a selected site of conservation interest.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1) Analyse the role of management plans in the conservation and long-term management of World Heritage properties and other heritage sites.
2) Apply management planning methodologies and frameworks to cultural and natural heritage contexts.
3) Develop management plan structures, objectives and stakeholder participation mechanisms appropriate to different heritage settings.
4) Evaluate short- and long-term management strategies in relation to conservation, sustainable use and changing environmental, social and economic conditions.
5) Critically assess external factors, risks and governance challenges affecting the conservation and management of World Heritage properties.
6) Communicate management planning proposals and priorities using appropriate professional and academic approaches.

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Proficient

Strategic

 The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Competent

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Proficient

Self-awareness

 The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Competent

Normative

 The ability to understand and reflect on the norms and values that underlie one’s actions; and to negotiate values, principles, goals, and targets, in a context of conflicts of interest and trade-offs, uncertain knowledge and contradictions. Competent

Anticipatory

 The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Proficient

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Competent

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

120
Autonomous Student Learning

200
Online Learning

15
Total

335

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is delivered through a flexible online learning environment using the Brightspace platform. Teaching and learning approaches combine guided independent study, critical reading, reflective learning and applied project-based learning to support engagement with World Heritage management planning theory and practice.

Module content is organised into themed online sessions that include lecture-style notes, international case studies, management planning examples, recommended readings, discussion questions and guided learning exercises. Students are encouraged to engage critically with World Heritage guidance documents, management frameworks and academic literature and to progressively develop their understanding through independent enquiry and reflection.

Interactive learning is supported through online discussion forums and scheduled Zoom meetings which provide opportunities for live discussion, peer learning and critical debate on management planning challenges, governance issues and case studies.

Students are expected to produce original work based on their own reading, analysis and academic judgement. Limited use of Generative AI tools for purposes such as brainstorming, grammar checking or improving clarity may be acceptable in some contexts. However, Generative AI must not be used to generate assessment submissions or replace independent critical engagement with module material. Students remain responsible for the originality, accuracy and integrity of all submitted work

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Stage 1 Grad Dip WH Conservation P/T


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
ARCH40910 - World Herit.Convention(Online), ZOOL40360 - World Heritage Convention

Additional Information:
Archaeology PhD students (DRHSC001 Z117, DRHSC001 Z118) are excluded.

Equivalents:
Management Plan (ZOOL40400)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay of 3,500 words. Week 5 Graded No
40
 No
Individual Project: Framework document of 4000 words. Week 12 Graded No
40
 No
Reflective Assignment: A study journal. Week 14 Graded No
20
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

UCD School of Archaeology use standard rubrics for all modules. Your feedback is provided on Brightspace - this includes feed forward details - this will help you think about how you could improve your approach in future assignments

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