Museum Studies PGCert by distance learning

Course description

This degree will provide you with the practical and theoretical experience needed to become a creative and effective museum and gallery professional or to further advance your career in the sector.

You will be taught by experts in the field, who have been involved in expanding the academic discipline of museum studies over many years. The course will equip you with a thorough knowledge and critical understanding of current principles, practice, and contemporary debates in Museum Studies.

Over the course you will explore areas such as:

• The social role of museums and art galleries
• Activist practice in museums and galleries
• Collections care and management
• Exhibitions strategies
• Museum design
• Museum ethics and interpretation

To complete the Postgraduate Diploma, you will take four core modules, followed by four option modules, giving you the opportunity to delve into your particular interests and to develop your expertise in the field of your choice. The subjects include museum learning, heritage, digital in museums, museums and contemporary issues, and museums and the natural environment, as well as a practice option which is focused on a workplace-based project. You can attain a Postgraduate Certificate by undertaking just the four core modules. It also possible to take one module, The Museum and Change, as a short course.

If you are taking the MA or MSc, you will also complete a research project on the topic of your choice. For many, it is the most exciting part of the course, as a self-directed opportunity to contribute new ideas, new knowledge, or critique existing scholarship or practice at an advanced academic level. You might choose to write this up as a dissertation, but you could also consider writing a paper, a professional report, or perhaps even producing a film. We look forward to working with you on the possibilities.

What's the difference?

If your dissertation concerns a science collection or museum, or if the nature of your investigation is 'scientific', you can receive a Master of Science (MSc) degree instead of a Master of Arts (MA) degree.

This is a very flexible programme with a range of qualifications on offer, from a Postgraduate Certificate (four core modules), and a Postgraduate Diploma (four core modules and four optional modules), to a full MA or MSc (all core modules, four options plus a dissertation).

Careers and employability

Our graduates are employed in some of the largest and most prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, in addition to some smaller specialist and local institutions. They include:

• Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
• British Natural History Museum
• Chatsworth House
• Christies
• Greek Ministry of Culture
• Greenwich Maritime Museum
• Imperial War Museum
• National Galleries of Scotland
• National Museum Ireland

Students need to have: Either a first class or second class degree, which can be in any subject area; Or be able to demonstrate equivalent skills and aptitudes through the possession of a professional or vocational qualification and/or the accrual of relevant work experiences. Relevant experience can come from a wide spectrum of work or voluntary environments but clear evidence of this experience must be provided. You should be able to demonstrate a commitment to, or strong interest in, museums, galleries, or other kinds of heritage or cultural organisation. If you do not have a degree, you will be asked complete an assessment, such as an essay, so as to demonstrate your readiness for postgraduate study. Clear guidance will be provided on assessment criteria. You may also be required to attend an interview.