PhD Cultural Heritage

Program Overview

The PhD Cultural Heritage program at the University of Birmingham offers an interdisciplinary research journey, equipping students with advanced skills and a deep understanding of cultural heritage. The program fosters a global perspective, connecting students with international networks and preparing them for impactful careers in museum work, conservation, heritage management, and research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD Cultural Heritage program at the University of Birmingham is a postgraduate research degree that allows students to conduct in-depth research in the field of cultural heritage. The program is offered both on-campus and through distance learning, providing flexibility for students. Students benefit from the expertise of the International Centre for Heritage (ICH), which is known for its cutting-edge research in the field. The program aims to equip students with advanced research skills, critical thinking abilities, and a deep understanding of cultural heritage issues. It also fosters a global perspective and encourages students to engage with international networks of academics, policymakers, and practitioners.

Careers:

Graduates of the PhD Cultural Heritage program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the field of cultural heritage. Some potential career paths include:

• Museum work: Curatorial roles, research positions, and management positions in museums and heritage institutions.
• Conservation and regeneration: Working on projects to preserve and revitalize historic buildings, landscapes, and cultural sites.
• Heritage management: Managing heritage assets, developing heritage policies, and working on heritage tourism initiatives.
• Research: Pursuing academic careers in cultural heritage studies, conducting research for government agencies, or working as consultants.
The program also provides students with opportunities to develop transferable skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are valuable in a wide range of professions.

Other:

• The program offers a Visiting Scholar's Programme for researchers undertaking PhDs from other universities.
• The University of Birmingham is ranked in the top 100 for Arts and Humanities in the world (QS 2024).
• The program encourages students to get involved in research-related events and to benefit from the ICH's global networks.
• The program emphasizes the importance of developing research topics that are innovative, challenging, and impactful.
• The College of Arts and Law has a dedicated careers and employability team that offers tailored advice and a program of College-specific careers events.
• Graduates have gone on to work for prestigious organizations such as Birmingham Museums Trust, National Trust, Canal and River Trust, English Heritage, Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

• Annual tuition fee 2024 entry:
• UK: £4,786 full-time; £2,393 part-time
• International: £21,840 full-time; £10,920 part-time (distance learning only)
• The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study.
• The distance learning programme also includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study.
• The above fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
• For UK postgraduate research students the University fee level is set at Research Council rates and as such is subject to change.
The final fee will be announced by Research Councils UK in spring 2024.
• Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments.