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World Heritage Conservation

GradDip (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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The Graduate Diploma in World Heritage Conservation are part-time, online, distance learning courses designed to equip you with current thinking and professional understanding of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The programme will provide you with the knowledge base, skills and confidence to address World Heritage issues and to advance your career in this field.

  • The only World Heritage Distance Learning course in Ireland and one of the first of its kind in the world
  • A multidisciplinary programme offering modules in natural and cultural heritage
  • Designed for professionals and motivated participants working in areas related to the nomination and conservation of World Heritage Sites
  • A part-time, online, distance learning course with an international focus on heritage conservation

The online World Heritage Conservation course is aimed students who wish to build their knowledge base regarding the implementation of the World Heritage Convention and gain a broader understanding of the issues and policies surrounding the conservation of cultural and natural heritage. We value students that are active, motivated, autonomous learners and demonstrate an ability to clearly and effectively communicate their ideas. The course considers the needs of a broad spectrum of end-users by enabling them to study remotely and independently in parallel with their personal schedule. We aim to provide a learning environment that will encourage students to critically assess heritage conservation concepts and policies and to exchange ideas and experiences with their peers online.  The course provides for self-directed learning, within a supportive framework facilitated by a variety of media, including lectures, virtual classroom seminars and discussion boards. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach and uses international case studies to explore different approaches to cultural and natural heritage conservation. Assessments include critical writing, project work and reflective study journals to assist students in assessing the development of their own understanding and knowledge of the material presented. 

About This Course

  • Apply the skills and knowledge acquired to promote an interdisciplinary approach to heritage conservation
  • Communicate findings and ideas clearly and concisely
  • Critically compare international instruments for heritage protection and conservation
  • Demonstrate an in depth understanding of theoretical and practical issues in identifying World Heritage
  • Demonstrate critical awareness of the State Party’s obligations with regard to the implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention
  • Demonstrate research and scientific writing skills required in professional report writing

On successful completion of the programme students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, its implementation including the processes of inscription and monitoring of World Heritage properties;
  • Identify and analyse the role of key actors and instruments in global heritage conservation;
  • Understand theory and practice of conserving natural heritage, i.e. species, ecosystems and biodiversity, and cultural heritage, i.e. monuments, sites and landscapes.
  • Building on knowledge gained in the first year, completion of the 2-year Graduate Diploma will provide students with practical skills and a more specialised understanding of the application of the Convention. For example, on successful completion of stage 2, students will be able to establish a management plan framework and apply management plan methodology to cultural and natural sites.  
  • UCD World Heritage   
  • UNESCO World Heritage Centre   
  • IUCN World Heritage Programme   
  • ICOMOS World Heritage   
  • ICCROM

This programme will introduce you to the science that underpins the practice of heritage protection. You will receive a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide you with knowledge and understanding of a range of topics.

With 190 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, nearly a thousand properties inscribed on the World Heritage List and an expanding number of properties on the Tentative List, all of which face conservation challenges, there is a growing need for professionals who understand how the Convention operates in terms of nomination, monitoring, conservation reporting and mitigation of threats.

Reflecting the spirit of the Convention, to safeguard natural and cultural heritage through an integrated approach, this programme provides graduates with a unique multidisciplinary perspective addressing conservation issues of both natural and cultural heritage.

We give you the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the working of the Convention and for decision making in areas related to the nomination and conservation of World Heritage properties. 


Advancement in international conservation for managerial and policy positions in government, agencies, private practices and NGOs. The qualifications will contribute to career development for heritage custodians and stewards, ranging from national heritage and conservation officers to international conservation agencies.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students take three core modules (ie ARCH40900, ARCH40910 and ARCH40920) in Year 1.
Please only select Year 1 modules in Year 1.
ARCH40910 World Heritage Convention (Online) Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students take three core modules (ie ARCH40900, ARCH40910 and ARCH40920) in Year 1.
Please only select Year 1 modules in Year 1.
ARCH40900 Cultural Heritage Conservation (Online) Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students take three core modules (ie ARCH40900, ARCH40910 and ARCH40920) in Year 1.
Please only select Year 1 modules in Year 1.
ARCH40920 Natural Heritage Conservation (Online) Summer  10
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Students take three core modules (i.e. ARCH40940 and ARCH40950 and ARCH41280) in Year 2. Please only select Year 2 modules in Year 2.
ARCH40940 Management Plan (Online) Autumn  15
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Students take three core modules (i.e. ARCH40940 and ARCH40950 and ARCH41280) in Year 2. Please only select Year 2 modules in Year 2.
LAW41090 Climate Change Law and Policy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 3 of:
Students take three core modules (i.e. ARCH40940 and ARCH40950 and ARCH41280) in Year 2. Please only select Year 2 modules in Year 2.
ARCH41430 Conservation Strategies (Online) Summer  5

GradDip World Heritage Conservation (F041) Part Time
EU/NONEU    fee per credit - € 79.65

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

The programme is designed to accommodate applicants with a variety of academic qualifications including Archaeology, Architecture, Geography, Biology, Arts, Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Science and Economics. We welcome a diverse group of participants with a wide range of experience in different areas of cultural and natural heritage, to provide for a dynamic forum for discussion and interaction. Applicants are normally expected to have an honours university degree, or equivalent work experience.

 

If English is not your native language, proof of your proficiency in English will be required, unless you took your primary degree through English in an English speaking country. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL Internet Based Test is 100.

 

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes


These courses in World Heritage Conservation are accessible to people from around the world, providing a flexible learning environment for professionals, decision makers, NGOs and other interested parties working in areas related to the nomination, monitoring and conservation of World Heritage properties. Distance learning makes the world your classroom! 
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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to World Heritage Conservation:

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F041
World Heritage Conservation
Graduate Diploma

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
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