ObjectivesHeritage Exhibition Design is a unique opportunity for students seeking a professional exhibition design career in the heritage sector, together with the interdisciplinary skills demanded by the profession. The course equips you with skills in teamworking, presentation, communication, exhibition design, project management and a highly developed understanding of current exhibition design practice. Working on live projects with practising designers, you will be exposed to the very best in exhibition design practice in the museum and heritage sectors. One of three masters courses in the Centre for Heritage Studies, Heritage Exhibition Design has its own unique identity. It enables students from associated disciplines to intermix and develop both their individual and collaborative skills.
Entry requirementsEntrance requirements: A good honours degree in an appropriate subject or professional qualifications plus evidence of a general education deemed equivalent
STRUCTURE | The course comprises both core and elective modules, including a six-week period of work experience. Core modules include Museum and Heritage Exhibition Design in Practice, Management I: Principles and Practice, Visitor Studies I, Team Project and Work Placement. Two elective modules complete the course at diploma level.
Students follow a common programme of study in semesters one and two. Those who progress to masters level undertake an individual research project in the third semester under tutorial supervision. This is self-directed and results in either a substantial written dissertation or a skills-based project equivalent. Integral to the course are workshops, team-based and independent learning exercises, site visits, case studies, visiting professionals, and work placements, together with more formal lectures, seminar presentations and critical debate.
Elective modules include Heritage Exhibition Design, Heritage in a Multicultural Society, Arts and Heritage Marketing, Interactive Multimedia for Heritage Attractions, Urban Design of the North West, Theorising Museums, Visitor Studies II, and Management II.
FEATURES | The course has strong links with exhibition designers/ consultants in the sector. Key design modules will be taught by leading practitioners, exposing students to best practice and current thinking.
Site visits in the North West are an integral part of the course. These include museums, heritage centres, and a range of visitor attractions. We visit cities such as Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool and London, exploring a range of sites and attractions. In addition, overseas trips are organised to Barcelona and other European destinations.
There are links with many leading practitioners and establishments in the sector. Expertise and contributors are drawn from consultancies and establishments throughout the country. The course works closely with regional heritage attractions/museums. There are live briefs in visitor studies, in team projects and in interpretation. The course is informed by best practice in the heritage sector, and both guest speakers and site visits are integral to our success.
A professional work placement is core to the course. We have an extensive portfolio of placements available with varied projects. Students can also choose their own establishment and location for study, time and funding permitting. The course is linked via live projects, placements and site visits to a range of museums and heritage attractions including historic houses, parks, collections, art galleries and art centres.
APPLICANT PROFILE | Heritage Exhibition Design is appropriate for those with a first degree or a professional qualification in a range of disciplines, including spatial and interior design, technology, and heritage and museum studies related disciplines. Individuals seeking a career change are welcomed as are applications from mature students. Interview sessions are held throughout the year. Please apply early as competition for places is strong.