Program Overview

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Key Information

Start of Programme

The programme starts on 13 April 2025.

Attendance Mode

The programme is full-time.

Location

The programme is located at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia and SOAS University of London, UK.

Fees

The fees for the programme are £19,500 (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. This unique programme provides theoretical and practical training in Museum Studies, including hands-on experience with objects.

Structure

Term 1

• Date: April 13-17
• Location: IAU campus
• Date: April 20-24
• Location: Online
• Date: May 11-15
• Location: IAU campus
• Date: May 18-29
• Location: Online
• Date: June 23
• Last assessment due

Term 2

• Date: July 7-Aug 1
• Location: SOAS campus in London
• Date: September 4
• Last assessment due

Term 3

• Date: October 1-Nov 19
• Location: One weekly online workshop
• Date: November 26
• Last assessment due

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
• 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 Saudi 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 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 - IAU

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 two-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].