Heritage and Higher Education

Introduction

In the UK, Archaeological Higher Education courses have, in recent years, incorporated a growing component of heritage studies, and in addition, heritage is now often separated from archaeology as its own distinct discipline of study. The question of how closely linked the disciplines should be is rarely addressed, although many recognize the interdisciplinary nature of their research in these fields. This section will discuss the traditional “education versus training” debate, which sees a dichotomy of practice between academics and education, and professional archaeology, with a segregation between education and practice. Epistemologies of practice are also discussed, where the demographics of education contrast with those of the profession, especially at higher levels, a pattern also seen in other arts areas of study and practice. Finally, the importance of sociopolitics and the role of “alternative narratives” in heritage education and management will be considered.

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