Kathmandu University (KU), in collaboration with the RP Foundation, has launched a new program, “Bachelor in Heritage Conservation” (BHC).
The Bachelor in Heritage Conservation (BHC) course is one of a kind; with heritage at its core, the course helps students gain numerous skills and delves into the “why” and “how” of preservation, exploring the diversity, and the impact of heritage on a civilization. Marking its debut as the first course on such a unique yet integral topic in not only Nepal but in all of Asia, BHC aims and aspires to act as a pioneer to create individuals with intellect as well as compassion for their heritage.
In Nepal, a nation well regarded for its richness in both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, a course of this nature does more than underscore the importance of preservation and protection. It establishes a framework for examining, documenting, and testing time-honored methods and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The RP Foundation has consistently contributed to various aspects of heritage preservation. However, there is a gap in technical knowledge among individuals when it comes to this topic, leading to the deterioration of the quality of conservation work. The primary objective of the course is to bridge that very gap by raising awareness and advancing efforts to preserve, protect and conserve both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in Nepal.
BHC is a four-year bachelor degree that provides diverse career opportunities and extensive prospects across various sectors. The discipline of heritage conservation entails the preservation, safeguarding, and administration of cultural, historical, and architectural heritage. The following delineates the breadth of opportunities within this field:
Heritage Conservationist: Engages with government entities, museums, and private organizations to conserve historical sites, buildings, and artifacts.
Cultural Resource Manager: Oversees the conservation of cultural resources in urban planning, tourism, and development initiatives.
Archaeologist:
Participates in the excavation, analysis, and preservation of archaeological sites.
Historic Preservation Planner: Collaborates with urban planners and architects to ensure the preservation of historical sites during new developments.
Museum Curator:
Manages collections of cultural and historical artifacts within museums.
Conservation Scientist: Undertakes scientific study and conservation of materials present in historical artifacts and buildings.
Government:
Federal (Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, DOA) Provincial (Ministry of Culture), Local (Museums and executive offices of local government).
International Organizations: Provides opportunities as consultants within UNESCO, ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), and other global bodies focused on heritage conservation.
NGOs:
Engages with non-governmental organizations focusing on cultural preservation and heritage conservation as consultants/experts.
Academic Roles: Encompasses teaching and researching positions in universities and research institutions.
Consultancy: Offers expertise on heritage conservation projects for private firms or government bodies.
Cultural Tourism: Involves the development and management of cultural tourism initiatives that promote heritage sites.
Event Management: Organizes cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions that highlight and preserve heritage.
Urban Planner: Integrates heritage conservation in urban planning and development projects.
Rural Development Specialist: Focuses on the preservation of rural heritage and traditional practices.
Public Historian: Engages with communities to preserve and promote local history and heritage.
Advocacy: Collaborates with communities and policymakers to advocate for the preservation of cultural heritage.
Interdisciplinary Skills: Combines knowledge of history, architecture, archaeology, and cultural studies.
Technical Skills: Involves learning conservation techniques, materials science, and drawings.
Communication Skills: Develops the ability to communicate the importance of heritage conservation to the public and policymakers
Graduate Studies: Pursues advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) in heritage conservation, archaeology, museum studies, or related fields.
Specialization: Focuses on specific areas such as architectural conservation, digital heritage, or conservation science.
Heritage conservation is a field with global relevance, offering opportunities to work on projects around the world, particularly in regions with rich cultural histories.
In conclusion, a Bachelor’s degree in Heritage Conservation can lead to a rewarding career dedicated to the preservation and promotion of cultural and historical heritage for future generations.