Museum and Artefact Studies

Course details Durham’s MA in Museum and Artefact Studies is a unique course offering a choice of professional and academic-focused routes tailored to equip you with the skills and expertise to develop a successful career in museums, the cultural heritage sector or in the academic world. In terms of learning, you will develop a critical understanding of current professional principles and contemporary debates relating to museum and artefact studies. You will also develop professional skills relevant to the care, management and exhibition of collections in museums and analytical skills, relevant to the study of a wide range of materials and artefacts from different periods and cultures. In addition, the course structure will help improve your ability to take a personal responsibility for your own learning, for working in teams and for your professional conduct.

Why Durham University? The course is based within the Department of Archaeology and although we deal with the past, we also ensure as a course that we look into the future with the aim of building upon our global reputation as one of the best archaeological research departments and continually improving your experience with us within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Department of Archaeology is home to one of the largest postgraduate communities in Europe who benefit from world class academic teaching and leading-edge facilities to be able to pursue their passion for studying the past, interpreting the present and understanding the future. The wide-ranging courses are research-led and delivered by staff who are recognised experts in specialisms that span world, European and British archaeology from the last ice age to the post-medieval period.

Facilities We are home to state-of-the-art laboratories, specialist technology and some of the best library resources in the UK. We have project rooms with interactive technology, teaching laboratories, a computer suite, a photographic studio and scientific research laboratories in DNA, conservation, isotopes, environmental archaeology, luminescence dating, palaeopathology and bone chemistry, many of which are used as learning resources for out postgraduate community.

Career Opportunities In a Department that spans both research activity and practical archaeological skills, you are well-placed to continue your studies or fulfil your career aspirations in professional employment. We have developed the structure and contents of courses in such a way as to support your desire to pursue a PhD or undertake further academic work in whatever form. For a rewarding and stimulating professional career, our teaching strategy develops your skills in teamwork, practical and intellectual problem-solving and analysis of evidence, which are highly sought after by employers. We offer courses that prepare you for a career in professional archaeology, or in the increasingly significant conservation, heritage, or museums sectors.