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World Heritage Management

GradDip (NFQ Level 9)

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

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The UCD Grad Dip in World Heritage Management & Conservation provides graduates with a thorough knowledge of the World Heritage Convention and its application in solving heritage conservation problems. 

  • The only World Heritage Management course in Ireland and one of the first of its kind in the world.
  • A multidisciplinary programme. Lectures delivered by UCD staff and outside experts.
  • Visit Ireland's most iconic World Heritage Site, Bru na Boinne.

About This Course

  • Communicate findings and ideas clearly and effectively
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the theoretical background that underpins world cultural and natural heritage management and conservation.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention and other international conventions and legislation associated with world cultural and natural heritage management and conservation.
  • Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse current theoretical concepts and debates associated with world cultural and natural heritage management issues.
  • Formulate and communicate research questions related to heritage conservation and management issues
  • Locate, synthesise and critically review scientific information and data from a wide range of sources and produce an original professional document, logically structured with evidence based arguments demonstrating critical thinking.
  • Understand management systems, establish a management plan framework and apply management plan methodology to World Heritage properties, with applicability to other sites

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 Core Modules
ARCH41010 Heritage Marketing & Management Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
ARCH41030 Conflict Resolution & Heritage Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
ARCH41240 Heritage Management Challenges Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
ARCH41250 Nature & Culture: A bridge Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
ARCH41410 Presenting & Managing Heritage Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 2 of:
Students should choose a minimum of two option modules (i.e. a total of 20 credits of option modules). No more than 10 credits of optional modules can be selected from L3.
RDEV40780 Community-Led Local Development Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 2 of:
Students should choose a minimum of two option modules (i.e. a total of 20 credits of option modules). No more than 10 credits of optional modules can be selected from L3.
ARCH31000 People & Extreme Environments Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 2 of:
Students should choose a minimum of two option modules (i.e. a total of 20 credits of option modules). No more than 10 credits of optional modules can be selected from L3.
ARCH41340 GIS, Cultural Heritage and Spatial Thinking Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 2 of:
Students should choose a minimum of two option modules (i.e. a total of 20 credits of option modules). No more than 10 credits of optional modules can be selected from L3.
LAW42040 Culture, Heritage and Human Rights Spring  10

Graduate Profile
Eiru Olinga Moses, Uganda
Wildlife Authority


The World Heritage Management course is an interdisciplinary programme which enhances interaction between nature, culture and man. Through this course, I was able to develop practical skills, pedagogic proficiency and theoretical insights on aspects that make up this interaction. The course included approaches to working in and sharing experiences with other students. This has improved my communication skills and enhanced my ability to craft solutions to various conservation challenges.

GradDip World Heritage Management (X139) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 8400
nonEU    fee per year - € 15070

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. In terms of higher education, notwithstanding Brexit, UK students will still be eligible for the EU fee rate.

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.

  • Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of a lower second class honours degree or the international equivalent. However, in special circumstances, relevant work experience may be taken into account.
  • Applicants with diverse academic backgrounds including Archaeology, Architecture, Geography, Biology, Arts, Agriculture, Engineering and Economics will be considered.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
  • Full Time option suitable for:

    Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
    International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes


    The UCD Grad Dip in World Heritage Management & Conservation programme is designed to accommodate applicants with a variety of academic qualifications including Archaeology, Architecture, Geography, Biology, Arts, Agriculture, Engineering and Economics. We normally have a diverse group of students with a wide range of experience in different areas of cultural and natural heritage, which creates a very dynamic group.

    General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to World Heritage Management:

    ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
    showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt X139
    World Heritage Management
    Graduate Diploma
    Full-Time
    Commencing 2024/2025 September
    Graduate Taught Apply
    * you can change options at the top of the page