Department of Culture and Heritage Studies

Dr. M.E Sagiya, Acting Chairperson

Email: msagiya@buse.ac.zw   

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Culture and Heritage Studies is a Department within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. The Department recently underwent significant developments and growth, transitioning from a unit to a stand-alone Department from 2018 to 2024. This transformation solidified its unique identity and resulted in the establishment of a comprehensive curriculum.

The Department’s curriculum covers various subjects, including archaeology, museum studies, heritage conservation, cultural policy, and records and information management. Students engage in rigorous academic coursework, practical fieldwork, and research projects, equipping them with the necessary tools to critically analyze, preserve, and celebrate diverse cultural expressions and heritage.

The Department prioritizes inclusivity, creativity, and social responsibility, striving to nurture a vibrant academic community. By cultivating the next generation of cultural heritage scholars, advocates, and practitioners, the Department continues to contribute significantly to the preservation and understanding of our shared cultural legacy.

VISION

The Department of Culture and Heritage Studies envisions to contribute towards building a society where culture and heritage serve as the foundation of human civilization, fostering social cohesion and deep intergenerational connections. By valuing cultural diversity and embracing heritage, the Department strives to create produce graduates that are enriched with knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for our collective human experience.

MISSION

The Department of Culture and Heritage Studies aims to celebrate cultural diversity, preserve heritage, and foster intergenerational connections by harnessing the transformative power of culture and heritage to address societal challenges and ensure their lasting legacy through innovative practices in teaching, research, innovation and commercialization of cultural heritage goods and services.

CORE VALUES

• Student centredness
• Unhu/Ubuntu
• Integrity
• Innovation
• Diversity
• Interdisciplinary
• Critical thinking

Entry Requirements

Normal Entry: To qualify for normal entry into the Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Culture and Heritage Studies at Bindura University of Science Education, prospective students, in addition to satisfying the minimum conditions prescribed under the General Regulations, must:

• Have obtained at least five ‘O’ Level subjects including English Language passed with a Grade C or better,
• Have obtained ‘A’ level passes in at least two of the Arts and Humanities subjects such as Heritage Studies, History, Sociology, Shona, Ndebele, Literature in English, Geography and Family and Religious Studies.

Mature Entry: Shall be according to General Regulations for the Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Culture and Heritage Studies of Bindura University of Science Education.

Employment Opportunities

Holders of the BSc Honours Degree in Culture and Heritage Studies get employment in private sector and public sector 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
• I.S Specialist
• Archivist
• Tour Operator
• Specialist Heritage Officer

University Museum Project

The Department of Culture and Heritage Studies is leading the establishment of a University Museum. Currently, the department is setting up an exhibition at the Innovation Hub, within a temporary incubation space specifically allocated to the project. The primary purpose of the museum is to fulfill the university’s mandate of Heritage-based Education 5.0 while also celebrating BUSE and the unique, evolving history and heritage of Mashonaland Central Province.

The University Museum aims to achieve several objectives, including providing opportunities for both discipline-based and interdisciplinary learning, facilitating faculty research and innovation, and promoting community empowerment and engagement. Through the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and public programs, it will serve as a research and learning laboratory. Even faculties and students whose disciplines fall outside the core areas of the collections and special exhibitions will benefit from working with the museum’s academic curators to enhance research skills, analytical thinking, writing, and communication abilities.

The Bindura University of Science Education Museum (BUSEM) will not only serve students and staff but also provide education and entertainment to the visiting public and the university community at large.

Vision Statement

The vision of the BUSE Museum is to become an innovative university museum that researches, collects, conserves, communicates, and exhibits the tangible and intangible legacies of Bindura University of Science Education and the host province. This vision aims to promote knowledge generation, study, and enjoyment.

Target Audiences

The museum’s target audiences include students and staff from all faculties at Bindura University of Science Education, as well as local and international visitors, and host communities, including primary and secondary schools.

Objectives

1. a) Present stimulating, innovative, and inclusive permanent and temporary exhibitions that capture the institutional heritage, historical and cultural legacies, and enhance the university’s five missions: teaching, research, community engagement, innovation, and industrialization.
2. b) Create and promote multi, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary (MIT) teaching opportunities that support on-campus learning.
3. c) Educate and entertain individuals and groups visiting Bindura University of Science Education.
4. d) Provide practical training and work experience opportunities for students.
5. e) Assist local and international researchers with information on the history and legacy of Bindura University of Science Education and Mashonaland Central Province.

Museum Components

The University Museum will consist of the following components:

• Purpose-built museum building with permanent and temporary gallery spaces
• Collections storage facility
• Records and Archives space (both manual and digital)
• Auditorium
• Office space for Curator, Exhibition Designer, Conservators, and Tour Guides
• Cafeteria and outdoor park/garden

Ethical Considerations

The museum is committed to ensuring that all information disseminated through various communication media is academically well-informed, objective, honest, and accurate.

The Department of Culture and Heritage Studies excited about the establishment of the University Museum, and we look forward to sharing the rich heritage and knowledge of Bindura University of Science Education and Mashonaland Central Province with our community and visitors.