The Bachelor of Science Honours in Culture and Heritage Studies Degree programme was introduced in 2018. Currently it is housed in the Department of Languages and Communication Skills. The degree programme is an integral part of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development mission and vision of a Heritage-based Education 5.0. The programme exposes students to Zimbabwean heritage and cultural property- tangible and intangible attributes of society, inherited from the past, maintained in the present and bestowed for social, economic and political advancement. Students are introduced to the identification, preservation and safeguarding of Zimbabwean norms, values (ubuntu/hunhu) and heritage in its diverse forms. The programme examines the significance of national symbols, ceremonies, and rituals and heritage sites in local communities, national, regional continental and global level. The programme also aims to produce a creative graduate who develops the knowledge to explore and exploit national resources for survival in a sustainable way using modern technologies. Research materials for the programme range from stone carvings, archival records, material artefacts, digital texts, oral history, popular culture, structured direct observations, and interviews.
To qualify for normal entry into the programme, prospective students, in addition to satisfying the minimum conditions prescribed under the Bindura University of Science Education General Regulations, must have obtained at least five ‘O’ Level subjects including English Language passed with a Grade C or better and having obtained any two ‘A’ Level passes in any subjects. Special or mature entry admissions shall be in accordance with the General Regulations.
The programme is structured as follows:
Part I Semester I Semester II
Part II Semester 1 Semester II
Part III Industrial Attachment
Part IV Semester I Semester II
Courses
Code Description Core Credits
Part I Semester I
CHS101 Introduction to Zimbabwean History Y 12
CHS104 Introduction to Archaeology Y 12
CHS 108 Introduction to Museology Y 12
CHS 109 Introduction to Culture and Heritage in Africa Y 12
CS 101 Introduction to Computer Science Y 12
HS102 Health Education Y 12
Part I Semester II
CHS114 Cultural Heritage and Environmental Impact Assessment Y 12
CHS 115 Information and Records Management Y 12
CHS 116 Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage Y 12
CHS 117 History of Pre-colonial Southern Africa Y 12
PC108 Citizenship Education and Conflict Transform Y 12
PC103 Communication Skills Y 12
Part II Semester I
CHS201 Underwater Cultural Heritage Y 12
CHS207 Anthropology and Ethnographical Collection Studies Y 12
CHS208 History and Theories of Heritage Management Y 12
CHS209 African Philosophy and Thought Y 12
CHS213 Ecotourism and Sustainable Development Y 12
CHS215 Research Methods Y 12
Part II Semester II
CHS217 African Cultures and Heritage Y 12
CHS218 Heritage Inventorying and Archiving Y 12
CHS219 Colonial Heritage Y 12
CHS220 International Laws for the Management of Heritage Y 12
CHS221 Entrepreneurship Y 12
CHS223 Cultural Heritage and Intellectual Property Rights Y 12
Part III
CHS301 Industrial Attachment Y 120
Part IV Semester I
CHS404 Tour Guidance 12
CHS405 Museums and Community Engagement Y 12
CHS 407 Heritage Informatics 12
CHS409 Surveying and GIS Y 12
CHS414 African Traditional Music 12
CHS415 Forensic Archaeology Y 12
Part IV Semester II
CHS416 Conceptual and Epistemological Perspectives on Cultural Heritage 12
CHS418 The Rock Art of African and other Forms of African Art Y 12
CHS419 Trafficking, Repatriation, Restitution of Cultural Property Y 12
CHS420 Conservation and Preservation Y 12
CHS421 African Spirituality and Heritage Y 12
CHS470 Research Project Y 24
Our graduates can be employed in various organisations as:
- Heritage Impact Assessor / Heritage Specialist
- Curator
- Heritage Programs Specialist
- Arts & Culture Officer
- Heritage Manager
- Cultural Heritage Conservation Specialist
- Cultural Creative Industries Manager
- Art & Artefact Appraiser
- Cultural Heritage Inspector
- Heritage Auditor
- Cultural Diplomat
- Cultural Exhibition Specialist
- Artefact Conservator
- Heritage Advisor
- Information & Records Management Specialist
- Heritage & Community Liaison Officer
- Built Heritage Conservator
- Cultural Heritage Intellectual Property Rights Specialist
- Museum Visitor Manager
- Heritage Resort Manager
- Exhibition Specialist
- Natural & Cultural Heritage Tour Guide
- Community Archaeologist
- G.I.S Specialist
- Archivist
- Tour Operator
- Specialist Heritage Officer