Introduction to Heritage is part of the wider HEART Learning Programme and can be completed online on our website via the E-Learning Portal or in real time in a community or class setting. The course explores Heritage and what it mean as well as looking more specifically at Cultural Heritage, and offers a pathway to wider heritage programmes or to diversity, inclusion and good relations  programmes.

This course is all about heritage. It will explore historical and contemporary notions of heritage and look at how heritage is defined and decided upon. To understand the range and extent of heritage, and its value. It will conclude by exploring the threats to heritage and what can be done at community and International levels to protect heritage.

By the end of this unit, you should be able to: 

identify a wide range of events, places and objects that might qualify as ‘heritage’

explain the key international definition of heritage

describe the many ways in which events, places and objects become ‘heritage’

demonstrate, with examples, how heritage is important

show how heritage may mean different things to different communities