The British Isles have a remarkable assemblage of heritage resources.  This includes evidence of past societies in archaeological sites, historically and architecturally significant cities, buildings and gardens, relics of our industrial past, outstanding areas of biodiversity, geodiversity and wildlife habitats, and great scenic beauty presented in our natural and culturally evolved landscapes. Adding value, and running through all these, is the spirit of the nation, as expressed in the less tangible heritage represented by sense of place, customs and traditions, life-styles and pastimes. Yet, the UK is not unique in this regard and when one scales-up to a global view one is confronted with an overwhelming wealth and diversity of heritage expressed through the world's many cultures, and influenced by its differing landscape and climatic zones. It is of fundamental importance that this resource is protected to enable nations and cultures to maintain their roots and identity in a rapidly globalizing world, to maintain the intrinsic beauty of the heritage and the economic benefits that it may provide, and to enable present and future generations to appreciate and benefit from their inheritance.  

These values and qualities have been recognised by most nations in the world and since 1972 185 countries have become signatories to the World Heritage Convention. The Convention seeks to foster worldwide understanding and appreciation of heritage resources and to recognize and preserve examples of the world's heritage that possess an outstanding universal value to humanity. State Parties to the Convention have therefore committed themselves to ensure the identification, protection, conservation, and presentation of World Heritage Sites, recognising that the identification and safeguarding of heritage located in their territory is primarily their responsibility.  The World Heritage List now numbers 851 properties (2007) and  inscription to the list has become an important tool in raising the standard of protection and presentation of the heritage throughout the participating states. 

MA World Heritage Resource Management, while taking the Convention as its guiding text, uses examples of both local and world heritage. The primary focus of the course is on the research, management and policy issues that challenge the integrity of heritage sites in different world cultural, biological and geophysical settings. An understanding of the term heritage, its definitions, meanings and philosophical base is key.  Emphasis will also be given to the problems and the mechanisms for protecting the heritage through international, national and local statutory measures and practical management initiatives. The course is therefore multi-disciplinary in its approach, and will draw heavily on case studies of good practice from across the world. The course is designed for those interested in a career in conservation and the heritage, either in the cultural or natural field. 

A compulsory 6 weeks work placement at a World Heritage Site and a Personal Research Project in some aspect of world heritage management will provide an excellent basis for a student seeking employment in a national or international heritage conservation organisation.  This course aims to develop expert academic and practical skills in the definition, negotiation, designation, and on-going management of natural, cultural, landscape, and mixed heritage sites, particularly as recognized by UNESCO through the World Heritage Convention and the inscription of World Heritage Sites. Its focus is on the international dimensions of working with such sites and areas and has a strong multi-disciplinary element.