Museum Practice & Management - Online

Overview

Established over 18 years now, this programme shares best practice and expertise in aspects of museum studies, cultural management, exhibition practice, and care of collections. The modules draw upon the expectations of the museum standards programmes in UK and Ireland present these within an international context. Course content explores key issues concerning the museum profession globally and you will have opportunity to explore the content with your peers. Tutors are either lecturers in Ulster University or senior staff in the museum sector.



Work placement / study abroad

On request, we work with students and local museums or heritage properties to arrange work placements.

Year one

Museums and Culture

Management and Strategy for the Museum



Year two

Communication and Learning in the Museum

Collections Care and Management



Year three

MA Research Project

Postgraduate Diploma: You should normally hold a degree in a relevant discipline.



MA: You should preferably hold a good honours degree in a relevant discipline.



Exceptionally, candidates who do not satisfy these requirements may, by virtue of relevant experience or learning, be admitted. Students who satisfactorily complete the Postgraduate Diplomat the required level will automatically be considered for progress to the MA. An interview may form part of the application process.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants



The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes. Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

You may choose to complete one module as a stand-alone course (30credits), two modules for a PG Cert (60 credits) and four modules for a Post Graduate Diploma (120 credits). All modules are Master’s level (Level 7).

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

This is an entirely online programme, with no requirement to attend Ulster University. Course content is delivered via Virtual Learning Environment, with opportunities to meet via Teams. There is an annual calendar of museum events in Ireland, geared towards museum professionals and students. These sometimes provide an opportunity to meet in person.

Start Date: September 2026 and January 2027.

Careers and Opportunities

This programme attracts a mix of people who are already working in the heritage or museum sector or those who wish to enter the field for the first time. Those who already work in the sector often want to learn more about museum practice and theory. They can be keen to expand their knowledge (e.g. of accreditation or standard schemes) or investigate debates in the sector (e.g. access or decolonisation). Others are keen to enter the sector and the programme provides invaluable learning. We attract people who have recently completed their first degree; or would like to change career direction. We have attracted people with experience in libraries, archives, education, retail and hospitality. All students gain a lot from discussion with their peers and tutors.