World Heritage Studies

Subjects: Culture;Conservation

M.A. | Master of Arts

Course description

The international Master’s programme in World Heritage Studies equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to identify, protect, manage, and present cultural and natural heritage sites. This program encourages students to reflect on the understanding and function of heritage in societies worldwide. It blends theory and practice across various disciplines, including the humanities, architecture, conservation, ecology, management, tourism, and marketing. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the connection between culture and nature, tangible and intangible heritage, conservation, and sustainable development. Established in 1999 at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, this programme was the first globally to base its curriculum on the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. It acknowledges that heritage protection requires diverse perspectives and contemporary relevance. The programme emphasizes critical reflection on current issues like changing demographics, environmental fragility, and economic inequalities. Students will gain the expertise needed to work in professional heritage fields and redefine heritage for future generations.

Application Requirements

Language Requirements

English language proficiency demonstrated in one of the following ways: TOEFL internet-based with a score of 79 points or higher; IELTS Academic with an overall band score of 6.5 or higher; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English with grade B or higher; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English with grade C or higher.

Qualification Requirements

Admissions Requirements Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or equivalent in Cultural Sciences or other study areas relevant to the World Heritage Studies curriculum (Humanities, Social Sciences, Architecture, Archaeology, Art History, Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Cultural Management or Tourism); English language proficiency demonstrated in one of the following ways: TOEFL internet-based with a score of 79 points or higher; IELTS Academic with an overall band score of 6.5 or higher; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English with grade B or higher; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English with grade C or higher.

Document Requirements

Copies of your certificates in the original language - and additionally in sworn translation in German or English). Depending on the type of degree and country of origin, additional certificates may also have to be submitted. Tip: Simply have a look here to see which certificates might have to be submitted additionally. Up-to-date curriculum vitae Copy of passport/official personal identification Copy of a valid resience permit for Germany, if available Proof of language skills English language study programmes: Proof of English language skills – applicants with a higher education entrance qualification from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain incl. Northern Ireland or the United States of America do not have to submit a separate proof of English language skills German language study programmes: Proof of German language skills - does not apply to applicants from countries where German is the first official language For changing universities within Germany Certificate of removal from the register of students (submit at the latest upon enrolment) and certificate of non-objection (proof of right to take examinations) Good to know: Submit all certificates in their entirety: include the diploma certificate as well as the overview of subjects and grades. You must not omit any parts of the certificate (such as a diploma supplement or single pages. Additionally for furthering education master study programmes Proof of at least one year of professional employment