Museum Studies MA, MSc, PGDip, PGCert, short course, by distance learning

Program Overview

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Museum Studies MA, MSc, PGDip, PGCert, short course, by distance learning

Overview

This program is designed for individuals who want to develop their careers in museums, heritage, and cultural sectors or prepare for a research degree. The program offers flexibility in studying by distance learning while gaining knowledge and skills in museum studies.

Course Information

• Duration: 2 months-2 years
• UK Fee: £10,950 (MA/MSc), £9,855 (PGDip), £5,475 (PGCert), £1,370 (short course)
• International Fee: £18,950 (MA/MSc), £17,055 (PGDip), £9,475 (PGCert), £2,370 (short course)
• Taught by: Museum Studies
• Admissions and Course Enquiries: +44 (0) [insert number]
• Programme Director: Dr. Stamatina Anastopoulou

Course Description

Grounded in museum practice and informed by world-leading teaching and research, Museum Studies by Distance Learning provides a grounding in theoretical, methodological, and professional themes at the forefront of contemporary Museum Studies. The program will equip students with the skills and confidence to apply this knowledge within professional contexts.

What to Expect

• Learn from School of Museum Studies academics and visiting experts via the virtual learning environment
• Virtual study visits and external speakers will allow students to understand how course topics are implemented within real-life contexts
• Opportunities for critical thinking beyond reading materials
• Specialist options, including Heritage, the Digital world, and a Practice module that involves working on a project within a museum, gallery, or cultural institution

Entry Requirements

• 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
• A commitment to, or strong interest in, museums, galleries, or other kinds of heritage or cultural organization

Reference

• A reference is required as part of the application process
• An academic reference is preferred, but this can also be a work-based reference

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
• If the first language is not English, evidence of English language ability may be required

International Qualifications

• Find your country in the list of countries to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships, and additional requirements

Fees and Funding

• UK Students:
  • MA/MSc: £10,950
  • PGDip: £9,855
  • PGCert: £5,475
  • Short course: £1,370
• International Students:
  • MA/MSc: £18,950
  • PGDip: £17,055
  • PGCert: £9,475
  • Short course: £2,370
• Government Postgraduate Loan available for MA/MSc students

Careers and Employability

• Collaborative working with museums and arts, cultural, and heritage organizations is critical to the development and delivery of the course
• Graduates have gone on to occupy a range of roles in leading institutions, including the National Galleries of Scotland, British Museum, and Natural History Museum
• Key transferable skills, including networking, presentation, communication, and critical thinking

Course Structure

• MA/MSc:
  • Four core modules
  • Four option modules
  • Research project (MA/MSc only)
• PGDip:
  • Four core modules
  • Four option modules
• PGCert:
  • Four core modules
• Short Course:
  • One module, "The Museum and Change"

Core Modules

• The Museum and Change
• Designing for Creative Lives
• Objects and Collections: Care, Management, and Curation
• Engaging Audiences

Option Modules

• Lifelong Learning
• Museums and the Natural Environment
• Heritage
• Digital
• Museums and Contemporary Issues
• Practice
• Cultural Management and Marketing

Research Project (MA/MSc only)

• A research project of the student's choice, under the guidance of an appointed supervisor
• Can be submitted as an academic research paper or a sector-facing report or proposal (8000 words in each case)

FAQs

• How is the distance learning course delivered?
• How long is each module?
• Will I need to attend regular, live online sessions?
• How many hours will I study each week?
• Are there any study visits?
• How do assessments work?
• What's the difference between an MA and MSc?

Key Dates

• Start date: 6 October 2025
• Application deadline for October 2025 start: 15 September 2025
• Start date: 13 April 2026
• Application deadline for April 2026 start: 23 March 2026

Why Leicester?

• Our reputation: Museum Studies is the first and largest academic unit in its field worldwide and continues to be recognized for outstanding research excellence
• Our expertise: Teaching is research-led and informed by real-world practices and challenges
• Our flexibility: Designed for students with busy lives, our distance learning programs allow students to study in their own time and at a pace that suits their other commitments

Teaching and Learning

• Innovative teaching techniques and high-quality contact time
• Forms of assessment are designed to be both varied and inclusive
• Personal tutor appointed at the start of the program
• Learning materials, including study notes, reading lists, and video, sit within a virtual learning environment
• Optional live seminars create an opportunity to engage in discussion with peers and tutors
• Self-led visits to museums and arts, cultural, and heritage institutions

Alumni

• Graduates can join the Museum Studies Connect network, which brings together a community of professionals working in the arts, museum, and heritage sectors worldwide

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The University of Leicester received a gold rating in Teaching Excellence Framework 2023. This means our student experience and student outcomes are typically outstanding.

Program Outline

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Museum Studies MA, MSc, PGDip, PGCert, by distance learning

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Degree Overview:

This distance learning program in Museum Studies offers a comprehensive grounding in theoretical, methodological, and professional themes at the forefront of contemporary Museum Studies. It equips students with the skills and confidence to apply this knowledge within professional contexts.

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Objectives:

• Gain insight into how museums and heritage organizations work, and the economic, political, social, and cultural purposes they serve.
• Develop skills in setting up exhibitions and programs.
• Acquire knowledge and skills in caring for objects and collections.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• MA/MSc: Students study four core modules and choose an additional four optional modules.
They also undertake a supervised research project on a topic of their choice.
• PGDip: Students study four core modules and choose four optional modules.
• PGCert: Students study four core modules.

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Course Schedule:

• Modules run consecutively over 8 weeks, with 6 weeks of taught materials and 2 weeks to prepare and submit assignments.
• There is a short break between modules.

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Core Modules:

• The Museum and Change: This module explores the changing role of museums in society, examining their evolving relationship with audiences, collections, and the wider cultural landscape.
• Objects and Collections: Care, Management and Curation: This module delves into the practical aspects of museum work, covering the care, management, and curation of objects and collections.

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Optional Modules:

• Lifelong Learning: This module explores the role of museums in promoting lifelong learning and engaging diverse audiences.
• Museums and the Natural Environment: This module examines the relationship between museums and the natural world, exploring the role of museums in environmental education, conservation, and research.
• Heritage: This module delves into the broader field of heritage studies, exploring the concepts, practices, and challenges of managing and interpreting heritage sites and collections.
• Digital: This module focuses on the use of digital technologies in museums, examining the impact of digital media on museum practice, audience engagement, and collection management.
• Museums and Contemporary Issues: This module explores the role of museums in addressing contemporary social, political, and ethical issues, examining the ways in which museums can engage with current debates and contribute to public discourse.
• Practice: This module provides students with the opportunity to work on a project devised by a host museum, gallery, or cultural institution, gaining practical experience in a real-world setting.

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Assessment:

• One assignment per module (2,500-word essay or equivalent).
• Assessment methods include essays, project work, reports, exhibition proposals, and consultancy briefs.

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Teaching:

• Teaching materials are delivered through online resources in the University's virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
• Materials include recorded lectures, international case studies of museum practice, guided readings, group discussions, and self-led activities.
• Students are supported by a module tutor and a personal tutor throughout their studies.
• Optional live seminars create an opportunity to engage in discussion with peers and tutors.
• All distance learning students are invited to attend the in-person June Summer School week.
• Students are encouraged to make self-led visits to museums and arts, cultural, and heritage institutions in their own area.

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Careers:

• Graduates have gone on to occupy a range of roles in leading institutions, including the National Galleries of Scotland, British Museum, Natural History Museum, Chatsworth House, the National Trust, the Guggenheim, National Museum Ireland, the Hong Kong Museum of History, and M+ West Kowloon Cultural District.
• Graduates have also gained key transferable skills, including networking, presentation, communication, and critical thinking.

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Other:

• The program is designed for students with busy lives and allows them to study in their own time and at a pace that suits their other commitments.
• The School of Museum Studies offers a Museum Studies Connect network, which brings together a community of professionals working in the arts, museum, and heritage sectors worldwide.

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• UK fee:
• - £10,700
• International fee:
• - £18,950