History, Heritage and Culture FdA

Truro and Penwith College

This Foundation Degree offers the unique opportunity to study History combined with Heritage and Culture as a broad foundation for further specialism, or as a qualification in its own right. The rich historical resources in Cornwall combined with the region’s growing cultural heritage sector offer the perfect opportunity to combine academic study while developing key employability skills.

Discover how History is used by contemporary society in local, national and international contexts and analyse historical developments, considering the relationship between the past, present and future. Explore new developments to conserve and innovative ways to sustain cultural distinctiveness in the 21st Century. You will investigate digital literacy, customer engagement and curatorship skills necessary for employment within the Heritage industry today.

In both years of the foundation degree strong relations between the students and regional employers are encouraged and employability skills developed. Year 1 will involve a week placement completing a survey for one of our local museum partners. In Year 2 students will complete a 60 hour work placement at an attraction of their own choosing from our established employer links. The heritage industry in Cornwall offers particularly varied opportunities for work involvement. Module summative assessments are often work related and use live briefs from employers.

The small class sizes enable a designated tutorial session for self-reflection of study skills and further focus upon professional development. Learners will be given the opportunity to apply their understanding of innovation and enterprise in additional formative activities including projects with such organisations as Newquay Heritage Archive and Museum, and creation of a marketing product to consider all aspects of customer engagement. Learners will be introduced to current and emerging practices such as the use of virtual reality headsets in museums through a programme of guest speakers. Guest lectures on games design, for example, will enable learners to explore the impact of the changing digital landscape on the heritage sector.

Learners will experience a ‘behind the scenes’ aspect of the industry. In previous years this has been creating an end of year group exhibition and educational visits exploring the work of publicity companies for national attractions.

A programme of workshops will be delivered at location. For example, primary sources skills sessions, exploring Cornwall’s Civil War Pamphlets at the RIC’s Courtney Library and microfiche lessons at the new Kresen Kernow centre (formally held at the Cornish Studies Library).

Learners will have the opportunity to develop their own interests, whilst acquiring and developing skills of research and investigation, culminating in contributions to a group exhibition and an independent Final Major Project.

The cultural heritage sector is an area of growth within the region and this course will provide you with an opportunity to develop your practical skills and your academic research through significant input working alongside professionals from the local heritage and tourism industry within a dedicated adult learning environment of the University Centre Truro and Penwith.

Future Careers include: Archivist, Curator, Researcher, Education, Digital design, Publicity and marketing, Visitor attraction customer engagement, Heritage management and sustainability, and Gallery exhibitions officer.