Heritage Tourism and Museums

This module builds on the Year 3 Sustainable Tourism module. History and Geography students will explore and reflect on tangible and intangible heritage and the museum sector. Learners will explore the digital and non-digital methods by which heritage venues and museums seek to develop their audiences and provide inclusive visitor experiences.

The module reflects on the evolution of museums.  Learners will be introduced to the  Heritage Council's National Museum Standards for the care of collections. The module examines contemporary operational issues including visitor needs, education, interpretation and exhibition design.

Alongside sustainability, the module explores a range of management issues including authenticity, commodification, representation and funding.

1. Critically evaluate the domestic and international supply of tangible and intangible heritage and the macroenvironmental factors to which the sector must respond.

2. Recommend digital and non-digital strategies for developing sustainable audiences for cultural heritage sites and museums.

3.  Critically evaluate key management challenges associated with heritage sites and museums.

4. Critically review the historical evolution of museums in Ireland and internationally.

5. Research and assess best practice in the care for collections, planning exhibitions and heritage interpretation

6. Debate the needs of contemporary museum visitors.