Museum Practice & Management - Online

Museums are vital cultural destinations, where we go to get a deeper understanding of place, communities, and how we connect with each other. They are places of discovery and learning, with potential for challenge and cultural activism. Key aspects of this programme include:

- Understanding the context in which museums operate
- The learning and communication role of the museum
- Planning and development for the museum
- Caring for and developing our collections

The programme shares best practice and expertise in various aspects of museum studies, cultural management, exhibition practice, and care of collections. The modules draw upon the expectations of the museum standards programmes in the UK and Ireland and present these within an international context. Lectures include discussion points on key issues concerning the museum profession globally, enabling you to engage with your peers and your tutor. The course team are either senior academics in Ulster University or senior staff in the museum.

Work placement / study abroad
On request, we work with students and local museums or heritage properties to arrange work placements.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page" below.

Year one
Museums and Culture
The module provides an overview of policies and values related to museums and the heritage sector which are essential in understanding the complex forces at work which influence how museums operate and how policies and values are shaped and evolve.

Management and Strategy for the Museum
Effective management and the ability to think strategically are crucial to an organisation's ability to achieve its objectives effectively. This module integrates the theories and methodologies of other modules within the wider context of organisational management.

Year two
Communication and Learning in the Museum
The module provides an overview of current thinking in museums on their role as educators and facilitators of learning and communication. It focuses on exhibitions as tools for social, cultural, educational and political influence, and develops an understanding of exhibitions and other elements within museums as forces for learning and communication and evolving learning policies and priorities.

Collections Care and Management
The module has an overview of current practices in museums on collections care and management. It focuses on planning for collection management, museum registration and accreditation and questions surrounding the meaning of objects and acquisition and disposal. The practical elements of collections care and management are further investigated with regards to collections information, access, security and insurance, preventative conservation, and the monitoring and controlling of the museum environment.

Year three
MA Research Project
This module gives students the opportunity to conduct supervised research in an area of museum studies, chosen and undertaken in consultation with their tutors.

To apply to our postgraduate taught programmes, you must meet the University's General Entrance Requirements and any course-specific requirements.

These vary depending on the course and are detailed online.

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 Diploma at the required level will automatically be considered for progress to the MA. An interview may form part of the application process.

English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language this course requires
a minimum English level of IELTS (academic) 6.0 with no band
score less than 5.5, or equivalent.

Visit ulster.ac.uk/englishrequirements for more details on English language requirements.

This course is open to international (non-EU) students.

For full entry requirements please see "Course Web Page" below.

Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink" below).

Career options
The majority of the students on this programme are working the museum or related sectors, recent examples being libraries, archives, education or community arts/ heritage. Those working in the sector want to learn more about museum practice and theory. Others are keen to enter the sector and the programme provides invaluable learning about the work of museums, the challenges they face, and professional requirements. All students gain a lot from discussion with their peers and tutors. In addition, the Course Director can advise you on finding a work placement in a museum.