Museum and Artefact Studies

Program Overview

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The Museum and Artefact Studies program at Durham University equips students with the knowledge and skills for careers in museums, cultural heritage, or academia. It offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical training, including hands-on experience in handling and analyzing artifacts. Graduates develop critical thinking, analytical, and professional skills, preparing them for diverse career paths in the museum and cultural heritage sector.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Museum and Artefact Studies V6K607

at Durham University is a unique master's program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in museums, the cultural heritage sector, or academia. The program boasts a strong focus on professional and academic development, offering two routes tailored to individual aspirations.

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Objectives:

• Develop a critical understanding of current museological principles and contemporary debates.
• Hone professional skills relevant to the care, management, and exhibition of museum collections.
• Acquire analytical skills applicable to studying diverse materials and artifacts from various periods and cultures.
• Enhance independent learning, teamwork, and professional conduct.

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Description:

The program emphasizes hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge acquisition. Students engage in lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, placements, and field trips, gaining practical skills in handling, analyzing, interpreting, and recording artifacts.

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Outline:

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Core Modules:

• Museum Principles and Practice: Introduces museum theory and practice, covering principles, practice, and debates surrounding professional museum work.
Develops critical thinking and professional skills through seminars, workshops, and a local
ational museum placement.
• Artefact Studies: Provides an understanding of the theory, practice, and status of artefact studies from an archaeological and interdisciplinary perspective.
Focuses on the physical properties, production, and consumption of materials and products, equipping students with necessary skills for handling, analyzing, interpreting, and recording them.
• Debating Heritage and Museums: Enables identification and discussion of similarities/differences between heritage and museum studies.
Develops understanding of key concepts, principles, theories, and debates using global case studies. Sharpens research and analysis skills for future academic/professional endeavors.

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Additional Modules:

Students choose one module from the following (depending on their chosen route):

• Research Topics in Archaeology
• Care of Collections (Museum Studies)
• Museum Communication
• Protecting World Heritage
Students choosing the research paper route select two modules from the following:
• Care of Collections (Museum Studies)
• Museum Communication
• Protecting World Heritage
• A Level 4 module offered by the Department of Archaeology (subject to approval)

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Dissertation Route:

Students aiming for museum/gallery careers complete a 10,000-word dissertation on a chosen area of interest.

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Research Paper Route:

Students interested in cultural heritage or further postgraduate research complete a 5,000-word research paper based on rigorous research methods and data analysis.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a diverse assessment regime reflecting the structured learning choices available. Assessment methods include essays, reports, surveys, portfolios, group projects, exams, and a supervised research project (dissertation or research paper).

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Teaching:

The program employs a highly structured mix of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, and field trips. Lectures introduce key topics, while tutorials, seminars, and workshops provide opportunities for discussion and debate. Practical classes offer hands-on experience, including placements and museum environment work.

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Careers:

Graduates pursue diverse career paths in museums, galleries, cultural heritage organizations, archaeology, and related fields. Some enter academia as researchers or embark on professional archaeology careers. The program equips graduates with analytical and presentation skills, preparing them for roles in industry, commerce, and government.

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Other:

• The program is based within the Department of Archaeology, offering a global reputation in archaeological research and access to world-class academic teaching and facilities.
• The department houses state-of-the-art laboratories, specialist technology, and extensive library resources.
• The program emphasizes independent research skills, culminating in a significant research project.
• Graduates gain valuable experience through placements at local or national museums.

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Full Time Fees

Tuition fees Home students £11,900 per year EU students £25,500 per year Island students £11,900 per year International students £25,500 per year

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Part Time Fees

Tuition fees Home students £6,600 per year EU students £14,100 per year Island students £6,600 per year International students £14,100 per year The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).