Museums and Galleries in Education MA

Visit our MA Museums and Galleries in Education website.

This masters degree will:

• combine academic study with professional educational practice in museums
• look at influential contemporary and historic theories in museum and gallery education
• use museum and gallery collections as a basis for curriculum development
• interpret heritage sites – for example, gardens, industrial sites and historic buildings
• increase your understanding of historic and cultural influences on collections
• articulate a rigorous argument for learning through culture
• understand the impact of social networking and digital technology on learning in the cultural sector.

Features

This masters degree provides an opportunity to:

• carry out a practical and theoretical study of museums and galleries as educational resources
• engage with current funding and policy within the cultural sector
• debate digitally enhanced learning in museums and galleries
• learn on site with education staff at national, regional and university collections
• gain flexible access to a range of historic and contemporary sites
• have a 20-day placement in a museum, gallery or heritage site, where you will conduct a piece of research (full-time students only).

Who is this programme for?

People who are interested in working in informal learning in the cultural sector including gallery and museum educators, heritage interpreters, arts administrators, artists, designers, lecturers and primary and secondary teachers.

Entry requirements

A good first degree in a subject related to the arts, humanities or science, and professional or voluntary experience in museums, galleries or heritage.

Core topics

• Issues in museum studies
• Inclusion and outreach in museums and galleries
• Material and virtual culture.

Related topics

• Artefacts as an educational resource
• Constructing and interpreting heritage culture
• Contemporary art and artists in education.

How are you assessed?

By coursework assignments (including essays, DVDs, digital videos and/or websites), and a 12,000-word dissertation with a portfolio equivalent to 6,000 words or 8,000-word report.

Attendance

Face-to-face evening sessions and day blocks.

Where do our students go?

Graduates of this masters degree are currently working as:

• education officer for a historical site
• digital programme manager at a national art and design museum
• museum head of learning.

Core modules

• Issues in Museum Studies
• Material & Virtual Cultures: Trans-forming The Museum And Gallery Experience
• Responsive Museums And Galleries: Inclusion And Outreach In Practice

Recommended modules

• Constructing and Interpreting Heritage Culture
• Contemporary Art and Artists in Education