ObjectivesTo stimulate students to engage critically and creatively with wide ranging ideas and issues and to develop both philosophical approaches and the practical methods and skills necessary to become creative and effective museum and gallery professionals. These interdisciplinary programmes are student focused and cater for a wide range of learning styles and approaches. A Master of Science (MSc) can be awarded in preference to a Master of Arts (MA) where the dissertation concerns a science collection or museum, or where the nature of the investigation can be termed ‘scientific’.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Normally at least a good second class honours degree or its equivalent, or a minimum of five years’ relevant work experience. In addition, many applicants will have some experience, often in a voluntary capacity, of working in museums, galleries or related organisations.
Academic titleMA/MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies
Course descriptionCourse modules
Full-time course:
-Museums, Societies and Cultural Change
-Strategic Resource Development
-Communication, Media and Museums
-Museum/Gallery Project
-Museum/Gallery Experience
Specialist Options (full-time course):
-Archaeological Curatorship
-Museums and Histories
-Natural Science Curation
-Museum and Gallery Communication and Education
-Museum and Gallery Marketing
-Digital Media and Curatorship
Teaching and assessment methods
On the full-time course students alternate intensive periods of work in lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions with time set aside for the completion of assignments, reading and exploring their own particular areas of interest. Regular visits to museums around the country provide stimulating opportunities to explore contemporary practice. Guest lecturers offer additional perspectives, and are a source of additional inspiration and ideas and further strengthen links with the profession. During the summer term, all full-time students undertake an eight-week Museum/Gallery Experience placement. This enables students to test and develop the content of the taught programme in the workplace environment.
Distance learning students undertake a two year programme of self directed study. All materials necessary to complete the course are mailed to the students and support is provided by a network of experienced tutors.
All modules are assessed.
Students who achieve the required standard and who wish to work towards the Master’s degree, complete a Master’s dissertation.