Hi everyone, my name is Gigi and I study MA Cultural Heritage Management (CHM) at York. I’m an international student from the United States. I’m also the student rep for CHM and MA Museum Studies. ☺️
There are some amazing experiences offered on my course, and by the Department of Archaeology! The Department is welcoming, the facilities are amazing, and the range of opportunities to develop your skills are like no other! I’m going to tell you the reasons I study Cultural Heritage Management at York.
Why MA Cultural Heritage Management is the perfect course for me
I am taking three modules this semester:
Cultural Heritage Management teaches us how to be strong leaders in the heritage sector. We learn the policies, procedures, and guidance necessary for managing historic architecture, monuments and artifacts. Our core module, Heritage Principles and Concepts, gives amazing insight into inclusive and sustainable strategies for representing the past. We even have guest speakers from heritage organisations!
The academics really care about transferable, employable skills. The lectures and coursework provide us with a strong theoretical and practical framework. We’re encouraged to be critical and creative, but our lecturers are always there to talk to and help us if we’re struggling.
Field trips and opportunities
Field trips are an important part of the curriculum. We’ll spend the day exploring a historic destination, discussing heritage, and applying the skills we’ve learned.
In the Practical Landscape Archaeology module, we’ve used digital surveying technology to survey the amazing St. Mary’s Abbey in York city centre. We’ve used 360 cameras, laser scanners, GPS units and lots of other things.
As part of my Heritage Principles and Concepts module, we visited the Park Hill Flats in Sheffield. We got a tour of the flats, and learned the history of the largest listed building in Europe!
There are lots of additional opportunities for you gain more knowledge and experience, including weekly volunteering sessions and exciting conferences like Theory in Action (TAG).
Heritage Planning Studio: a unique way to build skills in planning and conservation!
The Heritage Planning Studio, also known as Planning Club, is a unique way to get real world experience in planning and conservation. Every week, we interpret real planning applications submitted to the city involving modifications to historic structures. We investigate the structure’s historic significance and how best to preserve it.
We come together as a group of architects, archaeologists, and planners to discuss the outcome of the application. A written report is then submitted to City of York Council.
We’ve had a real impact on over 100 cases this year. We’re gaining skills that make us more employable, increasing our knowledge of planning policies, and applying what we learn on our course!
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