Program Overview

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Museums, Galleries and Contemporary Culture MA

Overview

The Museums, Galleries and Contemporary Culture MA examines how cultural institutions are changing to meet the needs of the 21st century. The MA is for you if you're pursuing a career as a museum professional, curator, or arts organiser. It will equip you with a critical understanding of the key conceptual and practical skills in curatorship, museology and museum management necessary for you to succeed in your professional life.

Course Structure

The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.

In addition to taking two core modules, you'll choose four modules from the list of option modules below.

Core Modules

Current Issues in Museum and Galleries

This module focuses on key topics that are fundamental to the discipline of museum and gallery studies. It engages with current debates being addressed by professionals in the sector and with the pressing issues that are facing arts and cultural institutions.

40 credits

MA Dissertation or MA Project

You'll take either the MA Dissertation or the MA Project:

MA Dissertation

Development, execution, and writing-up of an independent research project on a topic chosen by you. You'll attend regular research seminars. Individual supervision will provide topic-specific guidance.

MA Project

Development, execution, and writing-up of a practice-based research project on a topic chosen by you involving practical work in a creative or professional capacity. You'll attend regular research seminars. Individual supervision will provide topic-specific guidance.

60 credits

Option Modules

Art Institutions and Contemporary Culture

This module examines how art institutions define their roles and priorities within the contemporary art world.

20 credits

Collecting Today: Curating, Presenting and Managing Collections

Collections lie at the heart of a museum, often shaping its historical development, and its evolution as a modern institution.

20 credits

Engaging the Archive

This module introduces you to the practical and theoretical issues of using archives for the purposes of research or exhibition.

20 credits

Exhibiting Photography

This module looks in detail at the practical and conceptual steps involved in the development, implementation and evaluation of contemporary photographic exhibitions.

20 credits

Heritage in Action

This module focuses on issues of tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the UK and globally.

20 credits

Management in Cultural and Heritage Institutions

This module is a critical exploration of the structure of the culture and heritage sector.

20 credits

Museum Narratives, Audiences and Programming

This module looks in detail at the way that museums develop content for the public.

20 credits

Representing World Cultures

This module examines the issues and practices involved in presenting non-western cultures to a diverse audience through visual practices.

20 credits

Social Justice and Representational Practices in Cultural Institutions

Social justice, participation, and inclusivity are key concerns for contemporary arts organisations and museums.

20 credits

Work Placement in Cultural Institutions

In this module you can gain first-hand experience of working within a professional context.

20 credits

Partnerships

Modules on this course have been designed as partnerships with The Photographers' Gallery and the Museum of London.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline, including culture and heritage studies, visual arts and media, languages and literature, and history.
• All applications from any prospective student without a degree in a relevant area or without higher education qualifications, including from candidates with demonstrable relevant work experience and relevant professional qualifications, will be carefully considered.
• Applicants may be asked to supply a written response to a set text to demonstrate suitability for the course.
• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components.
• Applicants are required to submit one academic or professional reference.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £4,950 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £10,000 (Price per academic year)
• Alumni discount available
• Funding available for UK and international students
• Scholarships available for eligible postgraduate students

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and practical application.
• Assessment types include practical, coursework, and written exams.
• Year 1: 14% scheduled hours, 78% independent study, 8% placement
• Year 2: 13% scheduled hours, 83% independent study, 4% placement

Research Groups

• Institute for Modern and Contemporary Culture

Supporting You

• Study support, including workshops, 1-2-1 support, and online resources
• Personal tutors to support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
• Student advice team to provide specialist advice on a range of issues
• Extra-curricular activities, including volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, and student events

Course Location

• Regent Campus, composed of three sites, situated on and around Regent Street in London.