Course summary
Art Museum and Gallery Studies puts museums in relation to the diverse network of spaces where art is made, defined, experienced and debated. Grounded in professional experience and cutting-edge research, our programme provides expert training in art history, curating, collections, public engagement and the social and political agency of art. We encourage a critical and forward-thinking approach to the role of art and its institutions in a changing world and the meaning of art beyond conventional spheres. By combining research-led teaching with hands-on experience and an eight-week professional placement, Art Museum and Gallery Studies will support you in joining a community of professionals and scholars working across the world as School of Museum Studies graduates. What to expect Art Museum and Gallery Studies will allow you to gain insight into the work of art institutions, and understand how they can become more accessible, representative, and relevant. You will gain experience of art handling, curating and collections, and historical, theoretical, and contextual knowledge and understanding of artistic, creative and professional practices. Throughout the programme, you will be introduced to a range of research methodologies including arts-based approaches. As a PGDip or MA student you will complete six taught modules and a professional placement. As an MA student you will also undertake a supervised research project on a topic of your choice. Your course fee includes regular study visits, and those enrolled on this programme can apply for the British Council Venice Fellowship Programme to spend a month completing research in Italy during the Venice art or architecture biennale
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. You will also work with museum professionals and artists. Regular visits to museums and art galleries around the country provide opportunities to explore contemporary practice with working professionals. You will also participate in an International Field School. 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, you will undertake an eight-week museum or gallery placement. We have an extensive network of more than 200 museum and gallery collaborators who offer placement projects. Our annual Work Placement Marketplace offers students a chance to discuss projects with professionals. Museum Studies at the University of Leicester has the largest and most diverse team of museum researchers and teachers in the world. Their books are used to teach museum studies courses around the world. At the University of Leicester, these world-leading specialists will teach you. The main contributors to this MA are Professors Simon Knell and Richard Sandell, and Doctors Suzanne MacLeod, Janet Marstine, Isobel Whitelegg, Stacy Boldrick, Ross Parry and Viv Golding.
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
Provider information
University of Leicester
University Road
Leicester
LE1 7RH