Skip navigation
Socially Engaged Practice in Museums and Galleries, by distance learning at University of Leicester - UCAS

University of Leicester

Degree level: Postgraduate

Socially Engaged Practice in Museums and Galleries, by distance learning (Taught)

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
Apply

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This is for you if... you want a flexible, part-time course that allows you to develop skills and expertise in addressing contemporary social issues in museums and galleries. In the 21st century, leading museums, galleries and heritage practice began to make use of socially engaged approaches. This course will examine the role of museums and practitioners in shaping society's understandings of contemporary issues, upholding antiracist and anti-oppression values of inclusivity and accessibility, and ensuring that museums benefit their communities. Choosing to study Socially Engaged Practice in Museums and Galleries will give you access to leading research and practice on the impact that museums and galleries can have on advocating for social justice and human rights, and how they might better explore and address the contemporary issues that face our societies. This course brings together cutting-edge examples of socially driven professional practice in dialogue with research undertaken by academics within the School of Museum Studies. It draws on broader global shifts in practice and will challenge you to think deeply about the role of culture in society and the characteristics of socially purposeful museums and galleries. Over the course, you will engage critically and creatively with areas such as:

  • partnership working
  • participatory practices
  • anti-racism and anti-oppression work
  • ethical frameworks for practice
  • liberation and accessibility
  • visitor studies and audience research
  • leadership at all levels of an organisation
  • how socially engaged practice can be embedded into the work of museums and galleries
You will gain a deeper understanding of the historical, current and emerging debates, theories, issues, techniques and practice in order to effectively develop and advocate for socially engaged practice in museums, galleries, and similar organisations. The course offers a platform to explore and experiment with ways of maximising the impact that museums and galleries can have on the wellbeing of communities, on civil debates around controversial topics, and on the building of fairer and more equal societies. The course is delivered in a variety of ways, including online lectures, seminars, and tutorials, and discussion activities. The programme is designed to fit around your existing commitments and is sympathetically structured to allow you to break up the work into manageable chunks and focus on one assignment at a time. You will receive high quality support from your module tutors and a personal tutor throughout your studies. What's the difference? If you are taking the MA or MSc, you will take four core modules, followed by four option modules, as well as completing 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. A Master of Science (MSc) can be awarded in preference to a Master of Arts (MA) where the dissertation concerns a science collection or museum, or where the nature of the investigation can be termed 'scientific'. 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 further explore and contextualise socially engaged practice through specific lenses. You can attain a Postgraduate Certificate by undertaking just the four core modules. It is also possible to take one module, Exploring Socially Engaged Practice in Museums and Galleries, as a short course.

Assessment method

You will be supported by a dedicated team of academics, tutors and support staff. You will be allocated a personal tutor who can advise you on a range of issues and support you. In addition, for each module you will be allocated a module tutor who is a specialist in that particular field. Your module tutor will support you with academic enquiries as well as your essay plans, marking your assignments and providing you with detailed feedback. Our flexible learning course has been designed with different learning styles and access requirements in mind. The flexibility in both progressing through the course, and in accessing the material through different formats anticipates a diverse student body and offers choice in how you are taught and assessed. Time is built into the structure for you to complete assignments and wider reading on areas of particular interest to you, as well as self-directed study visits. Tutorials with experienced museum professionals are available at various points in the course. You are invited to join an optional Summer School offering live online or face-to-face teaching, discussions, group activities and the chance to network with fellow part-time learners and staff. If you are completing a dissertation as part of the MA/MSc course, you will receive four supervisions with your allocated tutor, with support offered between supervisions as and when needed. Assessment: There are between one and three pieces of assessed coursework for each of the core modules. Together, these form a carefully designed, broad range of assignments including essays, project work, discussions, and presentations as well as practical exercises. Your module tutor will provide you with detailed feedback on each assignment you submit.

How to apply

International applicants

https://le.ac.uk/study/international-students

Entry requirements

In recognition of the diverse employment needs of the culture sector, we recognise and credit a range of prior qualifications and experiences. - 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. English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. International Qualifications: Find your country on the university website to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

https://le.ac.uk/study/postgraduates/fees-funding

Socially Engaged Practice in Museums and Galleries, by distance learning at University of Leicester - UCAS