Museum and Artefact Studies

About

Durham University's unique MA in Museum and Artefact Studies aims to provide students with high quality training relevant to a career in museums, the cultural heritage sector, and in the academic world.

In particular, it is intended to equip students with a sound knowledge and critical understanding of current professional principles, good practice and contemporary debates relating to museum and artefact studies.

It aims to help students develop a variety of skills:

• Professional skills, relevant to the care, management and exhibition of collections in museums
• Analytical skills, relevant to the study of a wide range of materials and artefacts, from different periods and cultures, and from a variety of disciplinary perspectives
• Research skills, relevant to studies of museums and artefacts, including an awareness of current theoretical issues
• Communication skills - oral, written and visual - relevant to work in the museum profession and to academic research.

It also aims to encourage students to take personal responsibility for their own learning, team-work and professional conduct.

The programme is mainly delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practical classes. Typically lectures provide key information on a particular area, and identify the main areas for discussion and debate in the Museums sector. Tutorials, seminars and workshops then provide opportunities for students to discuss and debate particular issues or areas, based on the knowledge that they have gained through their lectures and through independent study outside the programmes formal contact hours. Finally, practical classes allow students to gain direct experience of practical and interpretative skills in Museum and Artefact Studies through placements and curating an exhibition and/or developing an educational programme for the University Museums.

The balance of these types of activities changes over the course of the programme, as students develop their knowledge and ability as independent learners , giving them the opportunity to engage in research, professional practice, and developing and demonstrating research skills in a particular area of the subject. The programme aims to develop these key attributes in its students thereby preparing them for work or further study once they have completed the programme.

In Terms 1 and 2 students typically attend 3-4 hours a week of lectures, up to 4 hours of tutorials or seminars, in addition to 2 workshops and 2-3 hours of practical sessions working with artefacts or museum environment-related matters or fieldtrips over the term. Students have a 20-day Museum placement at Easter in a museum or archive. Outside timetabled contact hours, students are also expected to undertake their own independent study to prepare for their classes and broaden their subject knowledge. Professional speakers are brought in to engage the students with issues within the professional body.

In Term 3 the balance shifts from learning the basic skills required, to applying them within a real-life museum environment in the module Museum Communications where students work together on a specific project(s) with an opening date in May, June or July. Typically, students could be spending the equivalent of a working week as they complete the work for their projects, under supervision.

The move towards greater emphasis on independent research and research continues in Term 3, where the use of research skills acquired earlier in the programme are developed through the Dissertation research project or the Research Paper. Under the supervision of a member of academic staff with whom they will typically have between 3 and 5 one-to-one supervisory meetings, students undertake a detailed study of a particular area resulting in a significant piece of independent research. The Dissertation is regarded as a preparation for further academic work while the exhibition and Research Paper route is designed for a more professional environment.

Throughout the programme, all students also have access to an academic adviser who will provide them with academic support and guidance. Typically a student will meet their adviser two to three times a year, in addition to which all members of teaching staff have weekly office hours when they are available to meet with students on a ‘drop-in’ basis. The department also has an exciting programme of weekly one hour research seminars which postgraduate students are strongly encouraged to attend as well as Friends of the Oriental Museum events.

Content

Two distinct routes can be followed through the MA in Museum and Artefact Studies. These comprise different combinations of modules.

Route 1

The first route is intended for students who firmly intend to pursue a career in museums and galleries. It comprises six compulsory taught modules:

• Approaches to museum and artefact studies
• Museum principles and practice
• Artefact studies
• Care of collections
• Museum communication
• Research paper

Route 2

The second route through the MA provides students with a different choice of modules. It is intended for students with a strong interest in artefact studies, who may wish to pursue a career in the cultural heritage sector or undertake further postgraduate research in museum or artefact studies after completing the MA course, but who also wish to keep their options open. It comprises four compulsory modules (one of which is a dissertation) and a choice of a fifth module:

• Approaches to museum and artefact studies
• Museum principles and practice
• Artefact studies
• Dissertation.

And either

• Museum communication

Or

• Care of collections

Or

• A module from the MA in Archaeology (e.g. Prehistory; Roman Archaeology; Medieval Archaeology; Post-Medieval Archaeology; or the Archaeology of Egypt, the Near East and India (when available).

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• Applicants should hold, or expect to be awarded, a 2:1 Honours degree or an international equivalent, such as a GPA of 3.3 or above and hold some museum work experience.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

The Museum and Artefact Studies program at Durham University offers a diverse range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for international and UK students are set annually and are published on the university’s official website. Students are encouraged to explore various sources of funding, including government grants, scholarships, bursaries, and external funding bodies. Durham University provides a selection of scholarships specifically aimed at students in arts and humanities, which may include merit-based awards, need-based bursaries, and country-specific scholarships for international students. In addition, students are advised to investigate funding opportunities from cultural and heritage organizations, which sometimes offer financial support for students pursuing studies in museum and artefact-related fields.

The university also provides guidance on student loans for eligible UK residents, with government-backed student loan schemes covering tuition fees and living costs. For international students, there are limited loan options, but they may be eligible for scholarships and external funding programs. Students are recommended to apply early and consult the university’s financial aid office to ensure they meet application deadlines and eligibility criteria. Furthermore, part-time work opportunities on or near the university campus can help students supplement their income during their studies. Durham University’s strong network with local museums and cultural institutions also presents potential placements, internships, and work-study programs, which can serve as valuable financial and professional development resources. Students should carefully consider their budgeting and financial planning before commencing the program, taking advantage of all available support mechanisms. Overall, the university aims to make Museum and Artefact Studies accessible through a comprehensive approach to financial aid, ensuring students can focus on their academic and professional growth without undue financial burden.

Museum and Artefact Studies at Durham University offers a comprehensive exploration into the history, theory, and practice of museums and the management of artefacts. The program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of curatorial practices, collections management, museum history, and the ethical considerations surrounding cultural heritage. Emphasising both theoretical frameworks and practical skills, the programme prepares students for careers in museums, galleries, cultural heritage organizations, and beyond. Students will engage with a diverse range of artefacts, learning about conservation, display techniques, and audience engagement strategies. The curriculum often includes modules on museum ethics, cultural policy, and digital curatorial methods, reflecting the evolving landscape of museum studies in the digital age. Practical placements or fieldwork opportunities are typically integrated into the programme to provide hands-on experience and professional development. The program aims to foster critical thinking about the role of museums in society, issues of representation, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in cultural institutions. Graduates of the programme have gone on to work in curatorial roles, collections management, museum education, and research. The programme is suitable for those with an interest in history, archaeology, anthropology, or cultural studies, and it benefits from Durham’s rich academic resources and heritage collections. Students will benefit from expert teaching staff with experience in museum practice and cultural heritage management, alongside access to local museums and collections for research and practical projects. Overall, the Museum and Artefact Studies program at Durham combines academic inquiry with practical experience to prepare students for a successful career in the cultural sector.