Program Overview

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Museum Studies

Introduction

Interdisciplinary research that examines how museums, galleries, and collections contribute to culture and society.

We are ranked in the Global Top 100 for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024) and 3rd in the UK for Anthropology & Archaeology (Guardian University Guide 2025).

Study Information

At a Glance

• Degree Qualification: MSc or PhD

PhD in Museum Studies

A PhD in Museum Studies allows students to embrace their interests in museums and galleries, as well as in heritage and collections. Museum Studies is an interdisciplinary field and students at Aberdeen can draw on the expertise of staff from a wide range of disciplines including Anthropology, Education, Philosophy, and Politics, as well as on the internationally important University Collections.

The PhD in Museum Studies is a research degree that is available as a campus-based or distance learning option. It requires the candidate to make an original and significant contribution to the discipline of Museum Studies. Holding a Masters degree is normally a qualification for entry and applicants will ideally have some professional experience of working in or with museums.

A student’s programme of work will be based on their own intellectual interests and will be developed in consultation with the student’s supervisors. The final product of the PhD is a thesis; this will be judged by two examiners and the candidate will be subject to an oral examination (the viva).

Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the Programme Director Professor Alison Brown in order to develop an original and feasible research project that can be completed within a typical three year programme of full-time study or six years of part-time study. Applicants with only an undergraduate degree should contact the Programme Director for advice prior to making an application.

Our Research

Museum Studies is an interdisciplinary field and so a supervisory team may involve a member of staff from outside of the School of Social Science, though it is expected that the primary supervisor will be in Social Science. Many staff across the University have interests in museums and collections-based research. Potential applicants are advised to contact the Programme Director, Professor Alison Brown, about their research aims before making an application so that a suitable supervisory team can be identified.

Our Experts

• PhD Coordinator: Professor Alison Brown, The University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for this programme must have a good honours degree in a related subject and must normally provide evidence of postgraduate training in research methods. Applicants must provide a detailed research proposal and two academic references from their most recent academic institution.

Students with lengthy professional experience may submit a reference from an employer but should discuss this with the Programme Director in advance.

International Applicants

Additional details for international applicants, including information specific to your country or territory, are available.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fee rates are available.

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.

Careers

A PhD in Museum Studies can prepare you for a range of career opportunities within the museums, galleries and heritage sector, such as visitor engagement, research management, curatorial work, and policy development. It also prepares you for an academic position teaching on Museum Studies and related programmes.

Career Opportunities

• Curator
• Lecturer
• Museum Director
• Museum Researcher
• Outreach and Community Engagement Officer
• Policy Advisor
• Research Manager
• Visitor Engagement Officer

Features

The University Collections at the University of Aberdeen

The University's museum collections were founded in 1751, contain over 300,000 objects, and have been deemed Recognised Collections of National Significance by the Scottish Government.

Zoology Museum

The museum’s displays are worldwide in scope, from protozoa to the great whales, including taxidermy, skeletal material, study skins, fluid-preserved specimens and models.

On-campus learning

Study on a campus that has helped shape the modern world. Since 1495 we've continued to add and innovate, growing our campus to an ideal blend of old and new. Explore the historic King's Quad, study in the modern Sir Duncan Rice Library, and more.