University Certificate in Heritage Resources Management

Regulations effective Sep. 1, 2024.

Work in the heritage sector involves many different and specialized practices. These include the work undertaken at archives, museums, interpretive centres, as well as heritage places and cultural landscapes, and as part of conservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. These many differences reflect the vitality and range of the contemporary heritage field.

The University Certificate in Heritage Resources Management (UC-HRM) is a comprehensive program of study that is designed for people who want a broad perspective on Heritage Resources Management, who wish to pursue careers or other involvement with heritage resources practice, or who are working or volunteering in the field and who wish to improve their skills in heritage practice.

In order to obtain the UC-HRM, students must complete a total of 30 credits (8 courses worth three-credits each, plus a six-credit practicum). There is no requirement to attend campus. Students will work with their tutor in the online learning management system and other electronic conferencing tools in the course of their studies. The educational methods used in this program provide learners access to training and education without the added expense of time and travel for in-residence training.

Planning your program

Our online program plans can assist you in selecting the courses needed to fulfill your program requirements.

Counselling Services offers an assessment website, Mapping Your Future.

Athabasca University has developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Program requirements

Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

The following general regulations apply to all certificate programs.

University certificate programs provide interim qualifications in specific subject areas. Athabasca University has developed individual program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Fifty per cent* of the total credits required must be completed through Athabasca University. Up to 50 per cent of the required credits may be transferred from another post-secondary institution.
* Some certificate programs require less than 50 per cent, e.g., University Certificate in Counselling Women.
University certificate credentials are awarded throughout the year. Students must submit an Application for Graduation Form to the Office of the Registrar (see Graduation).
Students with less than 50 per cent of coursework completed in their current Athabasca University degree program may withdraw from their degree and apply into a university certificate program. Credit will be awarded (from the previous incomplete degree program) to the extent permissible under the applicable program regulations in effect at the time of the change of credential.
Students with 50 per cent of coursework completed in their current Athabasca University degree program are encouraged to consult with a student advisor before changing programs.
Students who change their program of study from an Athabasca University degree program to a university certificate program forfeit their standing in the degree program. If students wish to return to the degree program (after being enrolled in the university certificate program) they will be required to meet the degree requirements in effect at the time of re-enrolment (see Changing Programs) to the degree.
Students who have completed a previous credential (degree, certificate, or diploma) from Athabasca University or another institution must complete a minimum of 50 per cent of the credits in course work not previously used towards any credential.
Students who have a previous credential in the same subject area as the certificate cannot enrol in the certificate.
Students who have completed the former University Certificate in Labour Relations or the University Certificate in Labour Studies may not enrol in the University Certificate in Human Resources and Labour Relations.

There is a required practicum component in this program: HERM 491, which serves as the capstone for the certificate. Students must be registered in their final courses, or have completed all other courses before the practicum begins. Before students register for this course, they must demonstrate that they can make adequate arrangements for the completion of the required practicum (see Recommendations below). For more information about the practicum and this program email hrm@athabascau.ca

Program structure

program structure
Total credits in the program	30
Required credits	30
Residency requirement. At least 15 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University.	15
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits	None permitted

Required courses

(30 credits)

required courses
HERM 301 – Introduction to Heritage Resources Management	(3)
HERM 312 / HIST 316 – Heritage Research	(3)
HERM 322 – Heritage Collections	(3)
HERM 327 – Heritage Policy in Canada	(3)
HERM 339 – Conservation	(3)
HERM 342 – General Principles of Planning Historic Places	(3)
HERM 361 – Interpretive Programming	(3)
PHIL 334 – Professional Ethics in Heritage Resources Management	(3)
HERM 491 – Heritage Certificate Practicum*	(6)

Recommendations

* The practicum requires the completion of a 240-hour project. In consultation with the Heritage Resources Management Program Director, students will identify in advance on their application for enrolment in the practicum details of their practicum project and a suitable on-site practicum supervisor. The Program Director will act as the course professor for the practicum. Students should plan to make application for their practicum several months before they plan to begin it. The application is to be submitted to the HRM program. Please see HERM 491 syllabus for the application and details.

Information effective Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025.

Updated March 27, 2025 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)