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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 2024

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

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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

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 2024 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

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 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.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions

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

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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.


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Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

  • campus tours
  • on-campus open days
  • virtual open days
  • webinars

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 WheeldonSchool of Arts and Cultures
Director of Postgraduate Taught
Media, Culture, Heritage 
School of Arts and CulturesTelephone: +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.

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