MSc 2023 ICCROM Master programme

Programme Description 

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, offers an interdisciplinary MSc programme in “Conservation Management of Cultural Heritage.” The programme, which started in 2019, targets heritage professionals from diverse backgrounds in the Arab region and consists of two tracks: 

  • Management of Museums (Movable heritage) 
  • Management of Cultural Heritage Sites (Immovable heritage) 

The programme is unique due to its interdisciplinary approach, regional focus and flexible module system. It is designed to accommodate various disciplines in conservation and management and covers a wide range of topics, such as the conservation of built heritage and museum collections, heritage presentation and interpretation, disaster risk management and World Heritage management. The programme is primarily delivered in Arabic. 

Programme Structure 

The MSc programme uses a block-teaching model. This modular structure aims to support working professionals interested in furthering their education. Students take the courses of the first year (24 credit hours) and have to complete a dissertation (9 credit hours) in their chosen track in agreement with the teaching faculty. 

The courses in the first year consist of five core courses and three courses per track. The second year is entirely dedicated to the MSc dissertation.  

Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of the programme, students will be able to: 

  1. Explain and apply the theories and methodologies of conservation, management and development of local and international cultural heritage; 
  2. Analyze international conventions and national legislation 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 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 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; and 
  12. Conduct applied research in the field of cultural heritage to benefit real-world situations. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible to apply, candidates must be Arabic-speaking professionals with: 

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4 or equivalent. 
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, such as archaeology, architecture, urban planning/urban studies, heritage conservation, heritage management, museology/museum studies, art history 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 fulfil further requirements. 
  • English language competency (Academic IELTS: 4.0, TOEFL IBT: 32) 
  • 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 successful completion of the programme, students receive a Master of Science degree (MSc) in Conservation Management of Cultural Heritage.  

Scholarships 

ICCROM 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 offers a limited number of scholarships subject to rigorous evaluation criteria. The scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, round-trip airfare to the UAE and a living expense allowance (2 000 AED/month) for the first academic year.  

Students seeking a scholarship must indicate this 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 programme. 

Priority will be given to candidates officially nominated by governmental institutions in their home countries who also meet the other eligibility criteria. An official nomination letter should be submitted with the application documents.  

For more information about ICCROM scholarships, please contact Anwar Sabik

University of Sharjah Scholarships 

The University of Sharjah offers the following scholarships on a competitive basis: 

  • Teaching Assistant (TA) Scholarship: the student is required to work as a TA, and the scholarship will cover tuition fees and a monthly allowance of 2 500 AED. Undergraduate GPA should be 3.7 or above. 
  • Research Assistant (RA) Scholarship: the student is required to work as an RA, and the scholarship will cover tuition fees and a monthly allowance of 4 000 AED. Undergraduate GPA should be 3.8 or above. 
For more information about the scholarships available through the University of Sharjah, please get in touch with Mr Esam Salam 

How to Apply? 

UAE 

Applications from within the UAE should be submitted to the University of Sharjah through the following link 

For more information on applications from inside the UAE, please visit the following link

Outside the UAE 

Applications from outside the UAE should be submitted to ICCROM-Sharjah through the following link  

Required Documents 

Please consult the Arabic version of this call for the required documents. (Link to Arabic version of the call of applications) 

For more information 

Please get in touch with Dr Monther Jamhawi, and Eng Anwar Sabik

More information is also available in the programme booklet

Deadline for applications 

  • For self-funded applications and for those applying to University of Sharjah Scholarships, please consult the university's website    
  • For those applying for an ICCROM scholarship: apply by 10 June 2023, 23:59 UAE time.