Program Overview
The MA Heritage & Exhibition Design program is a one-year (or part-time) program focusing on developing a portfolio in contemporary Heritage & Exhibition Design. The program utilizes a practice-based approach with studio modules and collaborative partnerships within Scotland's heritage sector to master skills and sensitivity to complex histories. Graduates can pursue careers in the heritage and museum sector, exhibition design, and interpretation design.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program, the MA Heritage & Exhibition Design, is a full-time, one-year program (available part-time) that focuses on developing a portfolio of work reflecting 21st-century Heritage & Exhibition Design. The program aims to equip students with key skills in design for visitor experience and a critical understanding of museum and heritage sites. Students will learn about applied principles of exhibition design, immersive narrative environments, and experiential design. The program covers design for museums, heritage trails, and blended interpretation, teaching students how to design provocative, playful, and immersive educational experiences through applied and live projects. Students will also develop collaborative partnerships within Scotland's heritage sector to master skills and sensitivity to complex and difficult histories.
Assessment:
Assessment is primarily through studio modules, where practice-based student output is collated as a portfolio presentation.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a practice-based learning approach, incorporating workshops, seminars, lectures, guest speakers, and supported online learning. This approach allows for the development and assessment of core knowledge and understanding of design in tandem with their specific application to individual projects.
Careers:
Graduates from this program can pursue careers in:
- The heritage and museum sector
- Exhibition design
- Interpretation design
Other:
- The program is located in Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering access to the medieval Old Town's historic buildings and museums, and the Regency New Town's world-renowned neo-classical buildings.
- The program also provides access to Scotland's extensive heritage industry, with thousands of historic sites and buildings.
- The program leader, Dr. Kirstie Jamieson, is a lecturer and researcher in design for heritage experiences with consultancy experience in both tangible and intangible heritage experience. Her recent projects focus on a more inclusive, participatory, and critical approach to heritage-making.
- The program offers two modules (Live Project in trimester 1, Research Projects and Entrepreneurship in trimesters 2) where students have the option of working with external partners, which may include some work-based learning.
- All design programs in the School of Arts & Creative Industries are delivered in studio learning environments.
Tuition fees for 2024/25
Students from 2024/25 2025/26 Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £8,715 £tba Overseas and EU £18,800 £tba The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.
Edinburgh Napier University
Overview:
Edinburgh Napier University is a modern university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is renowned for its student learning experience and its commitment to innovation and enterprise. The university boasts a diverse student body with over 20,000 students from over 140 countries.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Libraries and Heritage Collections:
Access to extensive library resources and heritage collections.Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options for students.Student Life:
Opportunities for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.Funding:
Bursaries and scholarships to support students financially.Career Services:
Guidance and support for career development and job searching.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students.Online Study:
Flexible learning options through online courses.Short Courses:
Opportunities for professional development through short courses.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Edinburgh Napier University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:
Clubs and Societies:
Joining clubs and societies related to their interests.Events:
Attending university-organized events and social gatherings.Sports:
Participating in sports teams and activities.Student Union:
Engaging with the student union for representation and support.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Rankings:
Consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland and the UK.Student Satisfaction:
High student satisfaction rates, reflecting a positive learning environment.Research Power:
Strong research output and impact, contributing to knowledge advancement.International Focus:
Diverse student body and global partnerships, fostering a multicultural environment.Career-Focused Education:
Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.Academic Programs:
Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Accounting and Finance
Acting
Biological Sciences
Building and Surveying
Business and Management
Computing
Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology
Design, Photography, and Advertising
Engineering
English, Creative Writing, and Publishing
Film, Journalism, and Media
Health and Social Care
Law
Marketing
Music
Nursing and Midwifery
Sport and Exercise Sciences
Teaching
Tourism, Hospitality, Festival, and Events Management
Entry Requirements:
- Home Students (Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland): A Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above in any discipline.
- International Students (Overseas and EU): A Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above in any discipline.
- Work Experience: The university may consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient professional work experience within the heritage and exhibition design industry. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references, should be submitted with your application.
- Unrelated Work Experience: Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- English as a Second Language: If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test. The specific requirements will depend on your country of origin.
- Exemption: You may be exempt from the English language requirement if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course).
