Interested in studying for the new undergraduate degree in History & Heritage at the Isle of Man College? You have just two weeks to submit an application for this year’s entry. The course begins on 1st October.

This is a wide-ranging degree, awarded by the University of Chester, which will cover aspects of history and heritage ranging in period from ancient times to the late 20th century, and encompassing the Isle of Man, the UK, Europe, and the wider world.

Students will learn how to study history and how to conduct their own research, using the fantastic resources that are available at the Manx National Heritage library and archives.

Heritage is an important part of the new degree. Programme Leader, Dr Catriona Mackie, explained: “We can think of heritage as those elements of our history that are still active in some form today. By studying them, we can gain new insights into both our past and our present.” The heritage component of the degree will explore questions such as ‘what is heritage?’ and ‘who decides what constitutes heritage?’, and will examine case studies from around the world, as well as looking at examples from the Isle of Man.

Director of Manx National Heritage, Edmund Southworth welcomed the new degree, and expressed MNH’s support for the programme: “The distinctive nature of the history of the Isle of Man and its resulting rich and dynamic culture has excited scholars for generations. This new project from the IOM College uses the extensive physical and intellectual resources of the island to teach a high quality degree which will set the subject into a wider context. Across the world cultural heritage is at the heart of tourism, education, conservation and urban regeneration. This course will equip graduates with a hugely valuable skills set.”

In addition to learning about history and heritage, degree students will develop a range of general skills which are highly valued by employers. These include problem solving, analytical and interpretive skills, intellectual rigour and critical thinking, independence and creativity, presentational and communication skills (both oral and written), computing and IT skills, and effective time management. Students will also have the opportunity to undertake a five-week work placement in their second year, either on the Island or in the UK.

A wide variety of career opportunities are open to history & heritage students and graduates routinely find employment in business, management, law, the media, marketing, government, public relations, civil service, education, as well as in the heritage and tourism industries.

Applications are welcome from school-leavers and mature students, with places still available for both full-time and part-time programmes. For further information, visit the Isle of Man College website at www.iomcollege.ac.im, or email HEAdmin@iomcollege.ac.im.