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Museum Studies MA, PGDip

Develop the practical skills essential to work in a museum, whilst engaging with theories and debates on the societal role of museums.

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Start date(s):

  • September 2025
Understanding scholarships and funding webinar. Wednesday 13 November 13:00 GMT

Overview

Our Museum Studies course covers a broad range of issues encountered in museum work. We'll provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to move into or enhance a career in museums. You'll gain a competitive edge by curating group exhibitions or organising and delivering complex education and learning events within one of the North East’s flagship venues; the Great North Museum: Hancock

We've been educating museum professionals since 1993 and our course is well established internationally. We encourage a hands-on approach, involving major input from museum professionals working regionally, nationally and internationally. These professionals range from small, independent museums to those who curate national and international collections.

In addition to our expertise in museum studies, the city of Newcastle and the wider region offer a wonderful resource. We have over 80 regional museums and galleries and many heritage sites including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Durham Cathedral and Hadrian’s Wall. Much of the region's countryside is designated as National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The course is part of Media, Culture, Heritage in the School of Arts and Cultures. You will be part of a dynamic group of experienced academic researchers, heritage practitioners, doctoral researchers and fellow students from around the world.

Learn more about the Museum Studies programme on our Museum, Galleries and Heritage webpage

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Qualifications explained

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

What you'll learn

The course covers all aspects of museum work. We provide a unique blend of theoretical knowledge, understanding and practical experience.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake an optional placement with one of the cultural organisations in our extensive regional and national network of cultural venues. The course content reflects the current pressing debates in museum studies, research and practice.

You'll take four compulsory modules and two optional modules. MA students also choose a research dissertation or a 25-day placement.

Hear more from our alumni about what they learned on our programmes

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you'll learn

Your future

Careers

We'll equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the museums and heritage sector. Our course attracts graduates from across the globe and students are given the opportunity to build a portfolio of work that translates globally.

On successful completion of the course students can be employed in the following roles:

  • Curator / Senior Curator / Assistant Curator
  • Exhibitions and Displays Officer
  • Cultural Participation and Community Curator
  • Inclusion Coordinator
  • Museum Collections and Operations Manager
  • Exhibition Designer

For institutions such as:

  • National Museums Scotland
  • National Trust
  • City of Edinburgh Council
  • NHS Digital
  • London Transport Museum
  • National Lottery Heritage Fund (UK)

As an MA Museum Studies student at Newcastle University, you'll develop a wide range of transferable skills. These range from presentation and research skills to team-working and project management, which are highly sought after by employers.

Further Study

This Museum Studies MA provides a route into PhD level study. 

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

You will have access to extensive cultural resources available on campus and in the city:

You'll also have access to our top-quality facilities:

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Find out more about:

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

INTO International Pre-Master's - Pathway course

Our Business and Humanities Pre-Master's will prepare you for Master's study at Newcastle. If you're successful then you're guaranteed a place on this Master's course. You can choose from:

How to apply


Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.


Apply Online  

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Iain Wheeldon
School of Arts and Cultures
Director of Postgraduate Taught
Media, Culture, Heritage 
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5185 (School of Arts and Cultures Office)
Email: pgmch@ncl.ac.uk

Online

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Live chat

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

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