Museum Studies

A one-year taught masters degree (NFQ level 9), offered on a full-time basis through the Department of Archaeology at University College Cork. We aim to provide broad academic and professional training in all aspects of museum design, management and education, whilst encouraging students to reflect critically on the relevance of these institutions in the contemporary world. This MA is designed for those who wish to enter the museum or heritage centre profession In Ireland or abroad, or who wish to pursue PhD research in museology and related fields. The course provides a balance of theory and practice for students from a range of academic backgrounds, with emphasis on graduates of archaeology and history, and other closely cognate humanities and social science disciplines.



Our programme is made up of taught courses, supervised work placements in museums, the production of a temporary museum exhibition, and a research dissertation.



The 90-credit programme comprises taught modules (25 credits), two work placements (20 credits), a museum exhibition (10 credits), and a research dissertation (35 credits).

Part A



Semester I

AR6022 The Museum in the 21st century (5 Credits)

AR6028 Museum Curation (5 Credits)

AR6025 Museums and the Public (5 Credits)



Semester II

AR6023 The Museum Environment (5 Credits)

AR6032 Museum Administration (5 Credits)

AR6026 Work Placement 1 (10 credits)



Part B



AR6029 Work Placement 2 (10 credits)

Students will undertake two museum placements (10 credits each) of four weeks duration each, where they will learn aspects of museum management, planning, design, and practice, as well as the opportunity to work on a particular project such as an exhibition. Work placements commence towards the end of Semester II (March) and continue until June. The Department of Archaeology will arrange all placements for the students.



AR6030 The Exhibition Experience (10 credits)

Students will prepare a temporary museum exhibition on an agreed theme for a public audience. This includes the necessary background research and cataloguing of primary materials, the design, and mounting of the displays, the preparation of an exhibition catalogue and a public launch and visitor survey. The work for this exhibition and its public launch is done in early summer.



AR6027 Dissertation in Museum Studies (35 credits)

Students will write a 15,000 to 20,000-word research dissertation on an approved topic of their choice relevant to the museum sector. These can be standard studies based on primary source research or may be practice-based, involving, for example, an exhibition, policy development, visitor experience study, digital media application, etc, or may combine both approaches.



The main period for dissertation work is July–September. Students who are currently working in museums or who have recent museum experience are eligible to apply for an exemption from one of the work placement modules.

Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) from a recognized third-level institution, in one of the following disciplines: Archaeology, Anthropology, Folklore, History, Heritage Studies or Local Studies.



Applications will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) from graduates in other disciplines who have a demonstrable interest and/or experience in museum work. All applicants will be interviewed.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.

Closing Date

Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

1 year full-time.

Start Date 7 September 2026

Skills and Careers Information

This programme supports a recognised profession internationally, one that has a strategic role in state policy on cultural heritage and tourism. Our graduates acquire a systematic and critical understanding of museum practice and theory. On this programme you will have acquired direct experience of practices, procedures and policies in the contemporary museum, and will apply a critical awareness of current issues in the field (including professional ethics) to best professional practice. At an applied level you will also acquire an awareness of all that is involved in the design and management of modern museums.



Our graduates work in the museum and heritage sector in Ireland, Britain, Europe, Canada, US and the Middle East. They are employed in Museum Management, Education, Curation and Administration.