Doctorate in Heritage

About the programme

The Professional Doctorate in Heritage (DHeritage) programme is the only one of its kind in the world. It is aimed at professionals who work in, or desire to work in, the heritage field broadly defined, whether in the private or the public sector. It attracts those who are employed in planning, museums, archives, community history, archaeology, and social and cultural sustainability. It appeals to practitioners who want to reflect on and contribute to the latest thinking in what is a dynamic and ever-changing sector crucial to many economies and to local and national identities.

Students follow the programme as part of a cohort, supported by research training and supervision shaped to their needs from across the disciplines of History, Education, Digital Humanities, Creative Writing, Creative Arts, and Law. This highly interdisciplinary approach to heritage is part of the unique provision for the DHeritage at the University of Hertfordshire. Students select their topics and training according to individual needs and interests, and current developments in the field.

Why choose this programme?

• DHeritage is the only Professional Doctorate in Heritage internationally
• It is a broad-based, flexible qualification developed in association with experts from across the sector
• DHeritage integrates current thinking on a wide range of interdisciplinary themes, including professional ethics, sustainability, cultural memory and heritage policy
• DHeritage students enjoy a cohort experience
• The programme is available part-time to fit in with professional work
• DHeritage is also available as a distance-learning option, with online workshops
• DHeritage students benefit from strong links with the University’s Heritage Hub and UH Arts and the International Garden Cities Institute (IGCI)

Research training

The DHeritage is modelled as a 6-year programme with three phases of study; however, there is the flexibility for students to complete more quickly, should they wish to do so and their progress indicates that is possible. Support is provided through supervision, discussion of key issues during workshops, engagement with DHeritage online content through the University’s web-based Managed Learning Environment, and attendance at the University’s Researcher Development Training Programme sessions and other University events.

Phase 1

During Phase 1 (typically years 1 and 2 of study), students complete 8 workshops, each consisting of a 1-day campus event (or online equivalent) plus a formatively assessed independent assignment.

Phase 2

During Phase 2 (usually years 3 and 4), students will come into the University for 4 x day workshops, based on sharing and discussing progress, addressing research issues, and with some delivered content (for example, an external speaker, or a guided exploration of a film, online resource or article).

Phase 3

Students in Phase 3 continue to develop their research, with supervisory support, leading to their final doctoral submission.

All phases

All postgraduate students are required to follow some elements of the University’s Researcher Development Programme (RDP), at appropriate points during all phases of study. In addition, DHeritage students are encouraged to participate fully in the RDP including the Spring and Summer Schools. Most RDP training occurs on weekdays.

Throughout the programme participants will be subject to ongoing monitoring and assessment of progress in line the University Research Degree Regulations.