Addressing emerging conservation challenges in the Arab region, and integrated approaches to heritage management, ICCROM (through its regional office in Sharjah), in partnership with the University of Sharjah in the UAE, is offering an inter-disciplinary MSc programme in “Conservation Management of Cultural Heritage”. The programme, set to start in January 2020, targets heritage professionals from a diversity of backgrounds in the Arab region, and will consist of two tracks:
- Management of Museums (Movable heritage)
- Management of Cultural Heritage Sites (Immovable heritage)
The programme will be unique due to its interdisciplinary approach, unique delivery format, flexibility, regional focus, distinguished faculty, and links to the international heritage community. The programme is designed to accommodate various disciplines in conservation and management and will cover a wide range of topics, such as the conservation of built heritage and museum collections, heritage presentation and interpretation, disaster risk management of cultural heritage and World Heritage management. Courses in the programme are delivered by experienced professors and heritage management practitioners from around the world. To address the needs of the region, the programme is primarily delivered in Arabic.
Programme Structure
The MSc programme uses a block-teaching model: each module starts with a preparation period with assigned readings, followed by two weeks of intensive classroom teaching, visits and case studies, and concludes with assignments to be followed up in the following module. This modular structure aims to support working professionals interested in furthering their education. It also gives full-time students more time to focus on assignments. Both MSc and Postgraduate Diploma students take the courses of the first year (24 credit hours). Students wishing to pursue an MSc degree have to complete a dissertation (9 credit hours) in their chosen track in agreement with the teaching faculty.
The courses in the first year are delivered over two semesters and consist of 5 core courses and 3 courses per track. The second year is completely dedicated to the MSc dissertation. (Click here to see the programme structure).
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, candidates must Arabic-speaking professionals with:
- A bachelor degree in a relevant discipline such as Archaeology, Architecture, Urban planning/Urban studies, Heritage conservation, Heritage management, Museology/Museum Studies, History of Art, or History of Architecture. Graduates of other disciplines may be accepted at the discretion of the programme’s steering committee and may be asked to fulfill further requirements.
- Fluency in Arabic.
- English Language competency (Academic IELTS: 4.0, TOEFL: 400)
- Experience in related fields of cultural heritage management is an asset.
Duration of Programme
The duration of the programme is two years (33 credit hours); upon the completion of the first year, students will receive a postgraduate diploma and upon the successful completion of the second year, students receive a master’s degree (MSc in Conservation Management of Cultural Heritage).
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
1. Explain the theories and methodologies of conservation and management of local and international cultural heritage and their development.
2. Analyze international conventions and national legislations related to the conservation and management of cultural heritage and develop such laws in accordance with the conditions of cultural heritage.
3. Integrate various disciplines to contribute to the comprehensive understanding of cultural heritage, its conservation and management.
4. Produce the terms of reference and documents for projects aimed at the conservation and management of cultural heritage.
5. Evaluate and implement comprehensive management plans for cultural heritage.
6. Use modern scientific techniques in understanding, interpreting and presenting cultural heritage.
7. Work with teams to implement cultural heritage management plans.
8. Analyze the concepts and mechanisms of management policies and projects related to the preservation of cultural heritage based on scientific methodologies.
9. Work in various contexts in the field of cultural heritage.
10. Communicate with local communities and specialists in the field of cultural heritage.
11. Apply best practices, standards and ethics in the management of cultural heritage sites and museum collections.
12. Conduct applied research in the field of cultural heritage to benefit real world situations.
Location:
Teaching for the programme will be held at University of Sharjah and at ICCROM-Sharjah Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE.
Tuition fees
Per Credit hour: 2860 AED
Scholarships
With the gracious support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and other donors, ICCROM-Sharjah will offer a limited number of scholarships subject to rigorous evaluation criteria. The scholarships will cover tuition fees, accommodation, round-trip to UAE and a living expenses allowance.
Students seeking a scholarship must include that in the letter of interest to be submitted with the application, explaining why they seek financial support and how they will contribute to the field upon completion of the degree programme.
How to Apply?
Applications for UAE citizens can be made through the University of Sharjah website: http://www.sharjah.ac.ae/oa
Non-UAE-citizens must fill the application form through ICCROM on the following link: https://forms.gle/djfTrw4k9M4znmNr5
Before starting to fill your application form, please have the following documents ready to be uploaded with your application:
- Letter of interest detailing why you are applying for the programme, how you think your previous studies or experience qualify you for the programme, how you intend to apply your learnings from the programme and how this will benefit your institution and/or future career plans. If applying for a scholarship, please indicate that in the letter of interest detailing why you think you should be selected for a scholarship and financial aid.
- Certified copy of the applicant’s transcripts of previous degrees (Bachelor degree and if applicable, postgraduate qualifications)
- Certified copy of the applicant’s degree certificate. (Bachelor degree and if applicable, postgraduate qualifications)
- A copy of valid passport
- Two recommendation letters (from professors or employers)
- Curriculum Vitae
- English Proficiency Certificate: The following English language qualifications will be accepted at the grades specified: (Academic IELTS: 4.0, TOEFL: 400)
- A recent personal photograph.
Deadline for Applications is 31 August, 2019.
