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Museum Studies at University of Leicester - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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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 course is grounded in museum practice and informed at every level by leading museum studies research. You will benefit from the range of exciting and innovative research that takes place in the world-leading Museum Studies at Leicester each year. We will introduce you to the tools you will need, your tutors and their latest research and a diverse series of learning events. During this course, you will consider:

  • What is a museum?
  • What are its purposes?
  • How do we encounter and think about objects?
  • How and why do museums look after them?
These topics will lead to the subject of how museums communicate with their audiences; what an exhibition is and how museums tackle them. You will be given expert training in sector-relevant research and professional skills and will have the option of studying specialist subjects such as heritage, museum education, the digital world and museums and the natural environment. There will also be plenty of study visits, visiting speakers from the sector and an opportunity to put on your own exhibition. Beyond the teaching sessions, you will be able to conduct your own research project. You might choose to write this up as a dissertation, but you could also consider writing a paper, a critique or a professional report, or perhaps even producing a film. We look forward to working with you on the possibilities. Finally, in the 'Practice' module, you will work in a Museum, Gallery or Heritage Site on a project devised by the host institution. We continue to build contacts with a huge range of organisations across the UK and every year offer placements that excite and challenge our students. You might find yourself caring for a world class collection, helping to build a blockbuster exhibition, or developing a teaching app for school children – the choice is yours.

Assessment method

You will alternate intensive periods of work in lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions with time set aside for the completion of assignments, reading and exploring your own specialisms. Regular visits to museums around the country provide opportunities to explore contemporary practice. Guest lecturers offer additional perspectives, and are a source of inspiration and ideas and will give you the opportunity to further strengthen your links with the profession. During the summer term, you will undertake an eight-week museum or gallery placement. If you wish to obtain an MA or MSc, you will undertake supervised research into a topic of your choice and complete an 8000-word dissertation or comparable piece of work such as a paper, a critique or a professional report. All modules are assessed.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Museums Association (United Kingdom), International Council of

Entry requirements

In recognition of the diverse employment needs of the culture sector, our admissions process recognises and credits 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, to demonstrate your readiness for postgraduate study. Clear guidance will be provided on assessment criteria. You may also be required to attend an interview. IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

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

Please see website for 24/25 postgraduate fee information

Sponsorship information

AHRC.

Museum Studies at University of Leicester - UCAS