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University of Glasgow: Museum Studies
| Institution | University of Glasgow View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | College of Arts and Humanities |
| Web | glasgow.ac.uk |
| humanities-pg@glasgow.ac.uk | |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
This Masters offers you the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to become a versatile museum professional. The programme draws on staff research and expertise in museums, archives, libraries, galleries and digital cultural heritage. Co-taught with cultural heritage professionals, including staff from The Hunterian Museum, Glasgow Museums, the National Library of Scotland, the programme combines interdisciplinary academic and practitioner input. Glasgow’s national, civic and university museum collections provide students with privileged access to rich and diverse resources of international standing.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME - We are the only Museum Studies programme in the UK accredited by CILIP, the Library and Information Association.
-
Opportunities for shorter postgraduate programmes focusing on key professional skills through PGDip and PGCert
-
Glasgow’s civic and university collections are some of the richest and most diverse in Europe and are of international standing. The University’s own Hunterian Museum is the oldest public museum in Scotland and has extensive holdings covering fine art, geology, anatomy and the history of medicine.
-
You’ll be able to choose from a range of courses involving staff from The Hunterian, Glasgow Museums and the National Library of Scotland, giving you a strong insight into professional and practical issues in the museum and cultural sector.
-
Our facilities at Kelvin Hall provide opportunities for developing professional skills including collection management, object-handling, interpretation and public engagement.
-
Our partnerships with local and international museums and heritage organisations, including Museums Galleries Scotland and the Smithsonian, provide great opportunities to gain practical experience, including work placements.
-
Shared teaching with our sister programme MSc Information Management and Preservation provides students with a broad overview of the cultural heritage sector.
-
The Museum Studies Teaching Team have been awarded a College Teaching Excellence Award.
-
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, guest speakers, workshops, individual and group project work. A series of visits provides complementary experience of varied museum institutions and collections, while placements and group project-based learning activities offer opportunities for professional skills development.
-
Meet our MuSEs: Learn how our students gain skills in exhibition tours while working alongside curators, technicians and front of house staff at the Hunterian.
-
Listen to our podcast: Stories from Glasgow – Tracing Glasgow's Imperial Past with Dr Rosie Spooner.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE MSc: You will take 4 core courses, one recommended course and one optional course. You will also complete a dissertation.
PgDip: You will take 3 core courses, one recommended course and two optional courses.
Semester 1 Core Courses Introduction to Museology Museum Skills and Professional Practice Managing and Using Collections
Semester 2 Core Course (MSc only) Research Design and Methods in Information Studies
Recommended Courses Exhibition Development (The Hunterian) Museum Studies Work Placement Learning and Engagement in Cultural Heritage
It may be possible to take an additional optional course in place of one of the recommended courses in consultation with the Programme Convenor and subject to availability.
Optional Courses 2D Digitisation: Theory & Practice (PGT) Empire and its Legacies in Memory Institutions Curating the Sciences Digital Cultural Heritage
Alternatively, you may choose one of your elective options from any appropriate course (level 5) offered by the College of Arts & Humanities, subject to availability. Please note that not all optional courses may be available every year.
Summer MSc students will undertake either:
Museum Studies Dissertation Museum Studies Applied Dissertation
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in History or Archaeology or History of Art or Natural History or Classics or Geography or Geology or Environmental Science or Zoology or Botany or Anthropology or Literature or Business and Management Studies or Economics or Politics or Philosophy or Ethnology or Media Studies or Information Studies or Culture Studies or Culture Industry Management or Education or Digital Design or any other relevant subject. We may also accept degrees in any other subject. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
This Masters offers you the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to become a versatile museum professional. The programme draws on staff research and expertise in museums, archives, libraries, galleries and digital cultural heritage. Co-taught with cultural heritage professionals, including staff from The Hunterian Museum, Glasgow Museums, the National Library of Scotland, the programme combines interdisciplinary academic and practitioner input. Glasgow’s national, civic and university museum collections provide students with privileged access to rich and diverse resources of international standing.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME - We are the only Museum Studies programme in the UK accredited by CILIP, the Library and Information Association.
-
Opportunities for shorter postgraduate programmes focusing on key professional skills through PGDip and PGCert
-
Glasgow’s civic and university collections are some of the richest and most diverse in Europe and are of international standing. The University’s own Hunterian Museum is the oldest public museum in Scotland and has extensive holdings covering fine art, geology, anatomy and the history of medicine.
-
You’ll be able to choose from a range of courses involving staff from The Hunterian, Glasgow Museums and the National Library of Scotland, giving you a strong insight into professional and practical issues in the museum and cultural sector.
-
Our facilities at Kelvin Hall provide opportunities for developing professional skills including collection management, object-handling, interpretation and public engagement.
-
Our partnerships with local and international museums and heritage organisations, including Museums Galleries Scotland and the Smithsonian, provide great opportunities to gain practical experience, including work placements.
-
Shared teaching with our sister programme MSc Information Management and Preservation provides students with a broad overview of the cultural heritage sector.
-
The Museum Studies Teaching Team have been awarded a College Teaching Excellence Award.
-
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, guest speakers, workshops, individual and group project work. A series of visits provides complementary experience of varied museum institutions and collections, while placements and group project-based learning activities offer opportunities for professional skills development.
-
Meet our MuSEs: Learn how our students gain skills in exhibition tours while working alongside curators, technicians and front of house staff at the Hunterian.
-
Listen to our podcast: Stories from Glasgow – Tracing Glasgow's Imperial Past with Dr Rosie Spooner.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE MSc: You will take 4 core courses, one recommended course and one optional course. You will also complete a dissertation.
PgDip: You will take 3 core courses, one recommended course and two optional courses.
Semester 1 Core Courses Introduction to Museology Museum Skills and Professional Practice Managing and Using Collections
Semester 2 Core Course (MSc only) Research Design and Methods in Information Studies
Recommended Courses Exhibition Development (The Hunterian) Museum Studies Work Placement Learning and Engagement in Cultural Heritage
It may be possible to take an additional optional course in place of one of the recommended courses in consultation with the Programme Convenor and subject to availability.
Optional Courses 2D Digitisation: Theory & Practice (PGT) Empire and its Legacies in Memory Institutions Curating the Sciences Digital Cultural Heritage
Alternatively, you may choose one of your elective options from any appropriate course (level 5) offered by the College of Arts & Humanities, subject to availability. Please note that not all optional courses may be available every year.
Summer MSc students will undertake either:
Museum Studies Dissertation Museum Studies Applied Dissertation
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in History or Archaeology or History of Art or Natural History or Classics or Geography or Geology or Environmental Science or Zoology or Botany or Anthropology or Literature or Business and Management Studies or Economics or Politics or Philosophy or Ethnology or Media Studies or Information Studies or Culture Studies or Culture Industry Management or Education or Digital Design or any other relevant subject. We may also accept degrees in any other subject. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
This Masters offers you the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to become a versatile museum professional. The programme draws on staff research and expertise in museums, archives, libraries, galleries and digital cultural heritage. Co-taught with cultural heritage professionals, including staff from The Hunterian Museum, Glasgow Museums, and the National Library of Scotland, the programme combines interdisciplinary academic and practitioner input. Glasgow’s national, civic and university museum collections provide students with privileged access to rich and diverse resources of international standing. A series of visits provides complementary experience of varied museum institutions and collections.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
Glasgow’s civic and university collections are some of the richest and most diverse in Europe and are of international standing. The University’s own Hunterian Museum is the oldest public museum in Scotland and has extensive holdings covering fine art, geology, anatomy and the history of medicine.
-
You’ll be able to choose from a range of courses involving staff from The Hunterian, Glasgow Museums and the National Library of Scotland, giving you a strong insight into professional and practical issues in the museum and cultural sector.
-
The facilities at Kelvin Hall provide opportunities for developing professional skills including collection management, object-handling, interpretation and public engagement.
-
Our partnerships with local and international museums and heritage organisations provide great opportunities to gain practical experience, including work placements.
-
Shared teaching with our sister programme MSc Information Management and Preservation provides students with a broad overview of the cultural heritage sector.
-
We are the only Museum Studies programme in the UK accredited by CILIP, the Library and Information Association.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
You will take: - Four core courses
- Two optional courses
Students enrolled on the MSc are also required to undertake an independent research project: - Dissertation or applied dissertation in collaboration with a cultural heritage partner
Semester 1: September to December
Core Courses INTRODUCTION TO MUSEOLOGY MUSEUM SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE MANAGING AND USING COLLECTIONS
Semester 2: January to March
Core Course EXHIBITION DEVELOPMENT (THE HUNTERIAN)
MUSEUM STUDIES WORK PLACEMENT In 2022, it is anticipated that work placements will follow a blended model, with a combination of remote and onsite activities
Optional Courses - choose two from the following (not all courses run every year): 2D DIGITISATION: THEORY & PRACTICE (PGT) CURATING LIVELY PRACTICES CURATING THE SCIENCES DIGITAL CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM LEARNING AND INTERPRETATION POWER AND POLITICS IN THE POST/COLONIAL MUSEUM Other level 5 course from those available within the College of Arts
Dissertation MUSEUM STUDIES DISSERTATION or MUSEUM STUDIES APPLIED DISSERTATION
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject unless otherwise specified. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
This Masters offers you the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to become a versatile museum professional. The programme draws on staff research and expertise in museums, archives, libraries, galleries and digital cultural heritage. Co-taught with cultural heritage professionals, including staff from The Hunterian Museum, Glasgow Museums, and the National Library of Scotland, the programme combines interdisciplinary academic and practitioner input. Glasgow’s national, civic and university museum collections provide students with privileged access to rich and diverse resources of international standing. A series of visits provides complementary experience of varied museum institutions and collections.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
Glasgow’s civic and university collections are some of the richest and most diverse in Europe and are of international standing. The University’s own Hunterian Museum is the oldest public museum in Scotland and has extensive holdings covering fine art, geology, anatomy and the history of medicine.
-
You’ll be able to choose from a range of courses involving staff from The Hunterian, Glasgow Museums and the National Library of Scotland, giving you a strong insight into professional and practical issues in the museum and cultural sector.
-
The facilities at Kelvin Hall provide opportunities for developing professional skills including collection management, object-handling, interpretation and public engagement.
-
Our partnerships with local and international museums and heritage organisations provide great opportunities to gain practical experience, including work placements.
-
Shared teaching with our sister programme MSc Information Management and Preservation provides students with a broad overview of the cultural heritage sector.
-
We are the only Museum Studies programme in the UK accredited by CILIP, the Library and Information Association.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
You will take: - Four core courses
- Two optional courses
Students enrolled on the MSc are also required to undertake an independent research project: - Dissertation or applied dissertation in collaboration with a cultural heritage partner
Semester 1: September to December
Core Courses INTRODUCTION TO MUSEOLOGY MUSEUM SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE MANAGING AND USING COLLECTIONS
Semester 2: January to March
Core Course EXHIBITION DEVELOPMENT (THE HUNTERIAN)
MUSEUM STUDIES WORK PLACEMENT In 2022, it is anticipated that work placements will follow a blended model, with a combination of remote and onsite activities
Optional Courses - choose two from the following (not all courses run every year): 2D DIGITISATION: THEORY & PRACTICE (PGT) CURATING LIVELY PRACTICES CURATING THE SCIENCES DIGITAL CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM LEARNING AND INTERPRETATION POWER AND POLITICS IN THE POST/COLONIAL MUSEUM Other level 5 course from those available within the College of Arts
Dissertation MUSEUM STUDIES DISSERTATION or MUSEUM STUDIES APPLIED DISSERTATION
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject unless otherwise specified. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
Summary
This Masters offers you the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to become a versatile museum professional. The programme draws on staff research and expertise in museums, archives, libraries, galleries and digital cultural heritage. Co-taught with cultural heritage professionals, including staff from The Hunterian Museum, Glasgow Museums, the National Library of Scotland, the programme combines interdisciplinary academic and practitioner input. Glasgow’s national, civic and university museum collections provide students with privileged access to rich and diverse resources of international standing.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME - We are the only Museum Studies programme in the UK accredited by CILIP, the Library and Information Association.
-
Opportunities for shorter postgraduate programmes focusing on key professional skills through PGDip and PGCert
-
Glasgow’s civic and university collections are some of the richest and most diverse in Europe and are of international standing. The University’s own Hunterian Museum is the oldest public museum in Scotland and has extensive holdings covering fine art, geology, anatomy and the history of medicine.
-
You’ll be able to choose from a range of courses involving staff from The Hunterian, Glasgow Museums and the National Library of Scotland, giving you a strong insight into professional and practical issues in the museum and cultural sector.
-
Our facilities at Kelvin Hall provide opportunities for developing professional skills including collection management, object-handling, interpretation and public engagement.
-
Our partnerships with local and international museums and heritage organisations, including Museums Galleries Scotland and the Smithsonian, provide great opportunities to gain practical experience, including work placements.
-
Shared teaching with our sister programme MSc Information Management and Preservation provides students with a broad overview of the cultural heritage sector.
-
The Museum Studies Teaching Team have been awarded a College Teaching Excellence Award.
-
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, guest speakers, workshops, individual and group project work. A series of visits provides complementary experience of varied museum institutions and collections, while placements and group project-based learning activities offer opportunities for professional skills development.
-
Meet our MuSEs: Learn how our students gain skills in exhibition tours while working alongside curators, technicians and front of house staff at the Hunterian.
-
Listen to our podcast: Stories from Glasgow – Tracing Glasgow's Imperial Past with Dr Rosie Spooner.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE MSc: You will take 4 core courses, one recommended course and one optional course. You will also complete a dissertation.
PgDip: You will take 3 core courses, one recommended course and two optional courses.
Semester 1 Core Courses Introduction to Museology Museum Skills and Professional Practice Managing and Using Collections
Semester 2 Core Course (MSc only) Research Design and Methods in Information Studies
Recommended Courses Exhibition Development (The Hunterian) Museum Studies Work Placement Learning and Engagement in Cultural Heritage
It may be possible to take an additional optional course in place of one of the recommended courses in consultation with the Programme Convenor and subject to availability.
Optional Courses 2D Digitisation: Theory & Practice (PGT) Empire and its Legacies in Memory Institutions Curating the Sciences Digital Cultural Heritage
Alternatively, you may choose one of your elective options from any appropriate course (level 5) offered by the College of Arts & Humanities, subject to availability. Please note that not all optional courses may be available every year.
Summer MSc students will undertake either:
Museum Studies Dissertation Museum Studies Applied Dissertation
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in History or Archaeology or History of Art or Natural History or Classics or Geography or Geology or Environmental Science or Zoology or Botany or Anthropology or Literature or Business and Management Studies or Economics or Politics or Philosophy or Ethnology or Media Studies or Information Studies or Culture Studies or Culture Industry Management or Education or Digital Design or any other relevant subject. We may also accept degrees in any other subject. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
This Masters offers you the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to become a versatile museum professional. The programme draws on staff research and expertise in museums, archives, libraries, galleries and digital cultural heritage. Co-taught with cultural heritage professionals, including staff from The Hunterian Museum, Glasgow Museums, the National Library of Scotland, the programme combines interdisciplinary academic and practitioner input. Glasgow’s national, civic and university museum collections provide students with privileged access to rich and diverse resources of international standing.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME - We are the only Museum Studies programme in the UK accredited by CILIP, the Library and Information Association.
-
Opportunities for shorter postgraduate programmes focusing on key professional skills through PGDip and PGCert
-
Glasgow’s civic and university collections are some of the richest and most diverse in Europe and are of international standing. The University’s own Hunterian Museum is the oldest public museum in Scotland and has extensive holdings covering fine art, geology, anatomy and the history of medicine.
-
You’ll be able to choose from a range of courses involving staff from The Hunterian, Glasgow Museums and the National Library of Scotland, giving you a strong insight into professional and practical issues in the museum and cultural sector.
-
Our facilities at Kelvin Hall provide opportunities for developing professional skills including collection management, object-handling, interpretation and public engagement.
-
Our partnerships with local and international museums and heritage organisations, including Museums Galleries Scotland and the Smithsonian, provide great opportunities to gain practical experience, including work placements.
-
Shared teaching with our sister programme MSc Information Management and Preservation provides students with a broad overview of the cultural heritage sector.
-
The Museum Studies Teaching Team have been awarded a College Teaching Excellence Award.
-
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, guest speakers, workshops, individual and group project work. A series of visits provides complementary experience of varied museum institutions and collections, while placements and group project-based learning activities offer opportunities for professional skills development.
-
Meet our MuSEs: Learn how our students gain skills in exhibition tours while working alongside curators, technicians and front of house staff at the Hunterian.
-
Listen to our podcast: Stories from Glasgow – Tracing Glasgow's Imperial Past with Dr Rosie Spooner.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE MSc: You will take 4 core courses, one recommended course and one optional course. You will also complete a dissertation.
PgDip: You will take 3 core courses, one recommended course and two optional courses.
Semester 1 Core Courses Introduction to Museology Museum Skills and Professional Practice Managing and Using Collections
Semester 2 Core Course (MSc only) Research Design and Methods in Information Studies
Recommended Courses Exhibition Development (The Hunterian) Museum Studies Work Placement Learning and Engagement in Cultural Heritage
It may be possible to take an additional optional course in place of one of the recommended courses in consultation with the Programme Convenor and subject to availability.
Optional Courses 2D Digitisation: Theory & Practice (PGT) Empire and its Legacies in Memory Institutions Curating the Sciences Digital Cultural Heritage
Alternatively, you may choose one of your elective options from any appropriate course (level 5) offered by the College of Arts & Humanities, subject to availability. Please note that not all optional courses may be available every year.
Summer MSc students will undertake either:
Museum Studies Dissertation Museum Studies Applied Dissertation
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in History or Archaeology or History of Art or Natural History or Classics or Geography or Geology or Environmental Science or Zoology or Botany or Anthropology or Literature or Business and Management Studies or Economics or Politics or Philosophy or Ethnology or Media Studies or Information Studies or Culture Studies or Culture Industry Management or Education or Digital Design or any other relevant subject. We may also accept degrees in any other subject. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
The University of Glasgow is one of the UK’s most prestigious seats of learning, and the fourth oldest university in the English speaking world. Established in 1451 and recognised for its world-changing research and teaching, our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, including eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, three First Ministers of Scotland, 10 Fellows of the Royal Society and 11 Fellows of the British Academy. Our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
Rankings
The University:
- is ranked 79th in the world: QS World University Rankings 2025
- is …
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