Course summary
Supported by a large team of art museum and gallery specialists our Art Museum and Gallery Studies programme takes museum studies in a new direction. It focuses entirely on art institutions from beginning to end. In doing so, it recognises that art museums and galleries are a distinctive kind of institution and that they are best understood in relation to other kinds of art institution (biennials, art fairs, kunsthalles and so on), rather than in relation to other kinds of heritage attraction. In this programme we pay equal attention to collection-focused art museums and to contemporary art institutions. Our aim is to prepare you for work in a wide range of careers in the art sector and to understand that art sector as it is now. Museum Studies at the University of Leicester has been the world leader in its field since its birth in 1966. It is one of few autonomous museum studies departments in the world. It was the first to develop an Art Museum and Gallery Studies programme. It is also home to CRÍA, an innovative new organisation that researches the institutions of art. This programme is shaped as a journey from student to art professional. You will begin by locating and deconstructing the art performances of both the great art museums and contemporary art institutions of various kinds. You will then explore how you can become an expert in the field and the role of the art curator. You will study how to manage and care for art objects and collections, and how to shape art experiences for the public so as to foster social change and life enrichment. The programme concludes with an exhibition project that will involve you in working with artists and curating artworks, a week-long international field school examining the art ecology of a major European city, a research project of your own design, and an eight-week work placement at a museum or gallery We also offer a broad-based MA/MSc in Museum Studies both on campus and by flexible or distance learning.
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
Please see website for 24/25 postgraduate fee information
Provider information
University of Leicester
University Road
Leicester
LE1 7RH