Is the Diploma in Heritage Studies an archaeology course?

No. Archaeology is a regulated technical discipline with its own credential routes (Chartered Institute for Archaeologists). The Diploma in Heritage Studies sits alongside archaeology — interpretation, public history, museum practice — rather than overlapping with it. Some graduates progress to archaeology training afterwards.

Can I work in a museum after the Diploma in Heritage Studies?

Yes — at entry level. The course is designed to prepare graduates for junior curatorial, engagement and interpretation roles at UK museums and heritage organisations. Senior curatorial roles typically require further study and substantial experience.

Can the Diploma in Heritage Studies be studied online?

Yes. The online route mirrors the on-campus course with live tutorials, recorded lectures and asynchronous discussion. London site visits are substituted with structured remote visits to heritage sites local to online and distance students, supported by virtual tours and tutor-set fieldwork.

Does the Diploma in Heritage Studies cover contested heritage and restitution?

Yes — explicitly. The public history strand covers contested heritage, the politics of memory and current restitution debates. The Diploma in Heritage Studies treats these as core working knowledge for any practitioner in the sector today, not optional add-ons.

What top-up pathways follow the Diploma in Heritage Studies?

Graduates can progress to the Higher Diploma in Society and Culture or apply for entry into BA-level heritage, archaeology or museum studies routes at LSJHML or partner universities. Admissions reviews your transcript at the application stage.

Diploma in Heritage Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Diploma in Heritage Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a nine-to-twelve-month UK qualification for students and career-changers planning entry into the heritage, museum and public-history sector. You will study heritage interpretation, the working principles of museum and site practice, and the public-facing communication that distinguishes accessible heritage work from technical archaeology or academic history.

The Diploma in Heritage Studies is taught around UK and international heritage practice — from local museums and listed buildings to UNESCO World Heritage sites and the contested politics of memory in the public realm. Workshops draw on London's heritage estate (the British Library, the V&A, the Museum of London and others) as living case studies rather than tourist destinations.

Key Features

UK-recognised diploma in heritage practice, designed around standards from ICOMOS-UK, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and the Heritage Alliance.
Heritage interpretation module — the principles and craft of explaining a site or object to a public audience.
Museum practice basics — collection, conservation, exhibition, audience engagement.
Public history strand covering contested heritage, memory politics and restitution debates.
London site visits integrated into seminars; equivalent regional/remote visits for online students.
Final independent project of 4,000-to-6,000 words on a heritage topic of your choice.

What You Will Learn

The Diploma in Heritage Studies is structured around the working competencies of a heritage practitioner at entry level — interpretation craft, sector context, ethics and clear public-facing writing. You leave able to write an interpretation panel, plan a small exhibition or trail, contribute to a public-history project, and contextualise heritage practice within current debates.

Heritage interpretation — principles, audiences, formats, accessibility.
Museum practice basics — collection care, exhibition planning, audience engagement.
Public history — the politics of memory, contested heritage, restitution debates.
Heritage management — UK heritage protection legislation, listed buildings, scheduled monuments, World Heritage Site frameworks.
Site presentation — wayfinding, trails, on-site media, virtual access.
Audience research basics — visitor studies, surveys, feedback handling.
Funding context — Heritage Fund, Arts Council, charitable trusts.
Communicating heritage — exhibition copy, online publishing, social presence.

Who This Diploma Is For

Career-changers planning entry into heritage, museum or public-history roles.
Volunteers and frontline staff at heritage organisations formalising experience into a credential.
Local-authority cultural and tourism officers wanting structured heritage literacy.
International students seeking a UK heritage-studies credential below degree level.

Career Pathways

Diploma in Heritage Studies graduates move into entry-level roles across UK heritage organisations. Typical first roles include:

Heritage Officer (local authority, heritage charity)
Museum Curator (junior, regional or specialist museum)
Archaeological Researcher (post-further-study)
Public History Programmer (museum, archive, charity)
World Heritage Site Officer (site team, conservation body)
Heritage Engagement Officer (cultural venue, civic body)

Graduates progress to the Higher Diploma in Society and Culture or to BA-level routes in heritage, archaeology or museum studies.

Entry Requirements

Completion of secondary school (A-Levels, BTEC, or international equivalent).
IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement.
Mature applicants (21+) may apply with two years of relevant work experience.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.