Museum Studies

This is for you if... you want the flexibility of studying by distance learning whilst gaining the knowledge and skills to develop your career in museums, heritage, and cultural sector or prepare for a research degree.

Grounded in museum practice and informed by world-leading teaching and research, Museum Studies by Distance Learning provides a grounding in theoretical, methodological, and professional themes at the forefront of contemporary Museum Studies and will equip you with the skills and confidence to apply this knowledge within professional contexts.

You will gain insight into how museums and heritage organisations work, and the economic, political, social, and cultural purposes that they serve. You will also learn how to communicate with publics and stakeholders; set up exhibitions and programmes, and care for objects and collections.

What to expect: You will learn from School of Museum Studies academics and visiting experts via our virtual learning environment, where recorded online lectures, live seminars and short activities are supported by access to study notes and reading lists.

Virtual study visits and external speakers will allow you to understand how course topics are implemented within real-life contexts and provide opportunities for critical thinking beyond reading materials.

You will be offered specialist options - including Heritage, the Digital world and a Practice module that involves working on a project devised by a host museum, gallery or cultural institution. If you are completing an MA or MSc degree, you will also undertake a supervised research project on a topic of your choice.