| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies program equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in the heritage and museum sectors. Through hands-on learning, experienced faculty, and a strong alumni network, graduates are prepared for careers in museum curation, heritage management, and related fields. The program emphasizes research, offering a work placement opportunity and a thriving PhD research community.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Prepare for a career in heritage and museum management The MA Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic fields of heritage and museums. This program boasts a 18-year history of producing highly-skilled graduates who are now employed in museums, heritage sites, and related organizations throughout Northern Ireland, Ireland, and beyond.
Key features of the program:
- Experienced faculty: Learn from leading academics and practitioners in the field, including faculty with extensive experience in museums, heritage management, and research.
- Practical learning: Gain hands-on experience through study visits to museums and heritage locations, allowing you to observe and learn from industry best practices.
- Alumni network: Benefit from a strong alumni network, connecting you with professionals already working in the field and providing valuable insights and career guidance.
- Specialization: Focus your studies on specific areas of interest, including policy development, social and economic contexts of museums, and international issues in the heritage and museum sectors.
Modules:
- Exploring Heritage
- Cultures of Curatorship
- Exhibitions: Practice and Evaluation
- MA Research Project
- Research Methods in Heritage and Museum Studies
- Strategic Planning for Heritage and Museum Management
- The program is offered on a full-time basis, with a September 2024 start date.
- The program is open to students with an honours degree in a relevant field, such as history, archaeology, or museum studies.
Outline: The MA Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies program consists of six modules, each designed to equip you with valuable knowledge and skills. The modules cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Exploring Heritage: This module delves into the complexities of the concept of "heritage," examining its social, political, and personal dimensions.
- Cultures of Curatorship: This module analyzes the political and social contexts of museum activity. It offers a critical examination of the work and procedures of museums, placing them within a global perspective.
- Exhibitions: Practice and Evaluation: This module explores the theory and practice of exhibition creation. You will work with your tutor to develop and complete your research project.
- Research Methods in Heritage and Museum Studies: This module emphasizes the importance of research in the heritage and museum sector. You will explore the research agendas that underpin the field and learn how to develop and conduct research projects.
- Strategic Planning for Heritage and Museum Management: This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively evaluate and develop strategic plans for heritage and museum organizations. You will learn how planning can contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of these institutions.
Assessment: The MA Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning. These methods include:
- Oral presentations: Students may be required to make presentations on their research or other topics, allowing them to demonstrate their communication skills and critical thinking abilities.
- Examinations: In some modules, written examinations may be used to assess students' knowledge of specific topics.
- Research projects: The MA Research Project is assessed through the submission of a written dissertation, which demonstrates the student's ability to conduct independent research and present their findings in a clear and concise manner.
Teaching: The MA Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies program utilizes various teaching methods to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. These methods include:
- Seminars: Smaller group discussions allow for in-depth exploration of specific topics and encourage active student participation.
- Tutorials: One-on-one or small group tutorials provide personalized support and guidance, allowing students to discuss their work and receive feedback from their tutors.
- Guest lectures: Industry professionals and academics from other institutions may be invited to give guest lectures, enriching the learning experience with diverse perspectives and insights.
- Field trips: Visits to museums, heritage sites, and other relevant locations provide opportunities for students to observe and learn from real-world examples and practices.
Careers: The MA Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies program prepares graduates for a wide range of rewarding careers in the heritage and museum sector. Some potential career paths include:
- Museum curator: Manage and care for museum collections, including research, documentation, and exhibition development.
- Heritage officer: Work with organizations to manage and preserve built heritage, landscapes, and cultural resources.
- Museum educator: Develop and deliver educational programs for museum visitors of all ages.
- Archivist: Manage and preserve historical documents and records.
- Researcher: Conduct research on a variety of topics related to heritage and museums. Graduates of the program are employed by organizations such as:
- National Museums Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland Museums Council
- National Trust
- Historic Royal Palaces
- National Heritage Lottery Fund projects
- National Gallery Ireland
- National Museums Scotland
- NI War Memorial
Other: The program also offers a work placement opportunity, allowing students to gain practical experience in a museum, heritage, or arts center. This placement provides valuable hands-on experience and can help students build their professional network. The program is characterized by its strong emphasis on research, with a thriving PhD research community. Many graduates of the program go on to pursue doctoral studies, further deepening their knowledge and expertise in the field.
Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees
£7,000.00
International Fees
£17,090.00
Additional mandatory costs
None
