Program Overview

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Key Information

Start of Programme

6 April 2025

Attendance Mode

Full-time

Location

Effat University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and SOAS University of London, UK

Fees

£24,870 (sponsorships available for Saudi nationals)

Entry Requirements

We will consider applications for the Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies with the equivalent of a UK undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above (Saudi Arabia: 70% or 3.0/5.0 or 2.7/4.0).

Course Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies is sponsored by the Museums Commission in Saudi Arabia. Offered by SOAS and Effat University, this unique programme provides theoretical and practical training in Museum Studies, including hands-on experience with objects.

Structure

Students enrolled on the Postgraduate Diploma take six modules, including an Independent Study Project module taught in term 3. The course is taught at Effat University in Saudi Arabia and at SOAS in London, with some online components.

Term 1

• Apr 6-10: Effat campus
• Apr 13-17: Online
• May 4-8: Effat campus
• May 11-22: Online
• Jun 23: Last assessment due

Term 2

• Jul 7-Aug 1: SOAS campus in London
• Sep 4: Last assessment due

Term 3

• Oct 1-Nov 19: One weekly online workshop
• Nov 26: Last assessment due

Core Modules

• Analysing and Exploring the Museum - 15 credits
• Core Principles of Curation - 30 credits
• Engagement, Audiences and Access - 15 credits
• Museum Collections in Practice - 15 credits
• Curation in a Digital Age - 15 credits
• Capstone Project in Museum Studies - 30 credits

Dissertation in Museum Studies (MA students only) - 60 credits

Teaching and Learning

Programme Learning Outcomes

• Develop an ability to critically evaluate how museums, galleries, exhibition spaces, public art, online platforms/digital curating, and other display contexts create and communicate meaning
• Be able to critically analyse the role of museums and galleries in the production of meaning and value to objects via practices of collecting, display, interpretation and conservation
• Become familiar with the methods, practices and key issues surrounding the ways in which museums care for, communicate, and develop their collections
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of the specific requirements of various museum roles, including curation, interpretation, learning, exhibitions, and collection management

Fees and Funding

Sponsorship

All applicants who are citizens of Saudi Arabia will automatically be considered for sponsorship, generously provided by the Museums Commission of Saudi Arabia, covering fees and accommodation in London.

Visas

This programme includes mandatory travel from Saudia Arabia to the UK. Depending on your nationality and current UK immigration status you may need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a Standard Visitor Visa to study at SOAS in term 2.

Application

Following an academic assessment by SOAS, Effat University will make final overall approvals of applications.

Application Procedure

Please apply by completing the online application form.

• APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 March 2025
• To apply for this programme, you select: Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies - Effat University
• As part of the application, you will be required to provide:
  • Copy of Passport
  • Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificate
  • SOAS-recognised English Language test with a 2-year validity (if applicable)
  • Personal Statement (500-1,000 words)

English Language Requirements

All applicants must be able to show that their English is of a high enough standard to successfully engage with and complete their course. Students need a minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in sub scores (or equivalent from other recognised English Language tests).

Completion

Following successful completion of the Diploma programme, students may opt to convert the Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies into a Masters degree (MA Museum Studies) by undertaking a Master’s level dissertation module in 2026. The cost of the MA conversion is £8,900 [2026 fee tbc].