Museum and Gallery Studies

Museum and Gallery Studies at the University of St Andrews offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the cultural and heritage sectors. This program provides an in-depth understanding of the history, theory, and practical aspects of managing, curating, and interpreting museum and gallery collections. Students will explore a broad range of topics, including collections management, exhibition design, conservation, museology, and public engagement. The course combines academic research with practical training, allowing students to develop essential skills in communication, project management, and digital technologies relevant to museums and galleries today.

Throughout the program, students have access to world-class facilities, including specialized collections and digital laboratories, and benefit from opportunities to engage directly with professionals through internships and field visits. The curriculum is designed to adapt to the evolving landscape of the cultural sector, emphasizing innovative approaches to audience development, digital engagement, and sustainable practices. Graduates will be equipped to work in diverse environments such as national and local museums, art galleries, heritage organizations, and cultural consultancy firms. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and teamwork, preparing students for a competitive job market and encouraging lifelong professional development.

Offered at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Museum and Gallery Studies at St Andrews combines rigorous academic inquiry with practical experience, fostering a new generation of museum professionals committed to preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

All Museum and Gallery Studies students take three compulsory modules over two semesters (or four semesters for part-time studies). The taught courses are delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical sessions and visits to museums and galleries.

Class sizes typically range from 18 to 24 students, and exhibition teams range from 6 to 9 students. Students complete three assignments per module in a variety of formats including an essay, a documentation and database project, an object study, an exhibition or website review, a lesson plan and a management report. 

The final three months of the course will be focused on writing the final assessment piece, a 15,000-word dissertation.

Museums Galleries Scotland and its member museums provide visiting lecturers and host class visits and individual student placements.

The Museum and Gallery Studies teaching staff are experienced museum curators who continue to be involved directly in museum work.

Compulsory modules

• Theory and Practice of Museums, Art Galleries and Related Organisations, Part 1: Collections in Context: covers topics such as the developments and purposes of museums, museum ethics, the history of collecting and collections management policies and procedures. 
• Theory and Practice of Museums, Art Galleries and Related Organisations, Part 2: Audiences and Management: continuing from Theory and Practice in Semester 1, this module covers museum audiences and their needs, museum services and programmes, and museum and gallery management.
• Project Work (whole year): involves hands-on learning and develops practical, specialist and transferable skills to prepare students for work in the museums/galleries/heritage sector. It normally includes a team exhibition project and an individual museum work project.

Dissertation

Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August. 

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of a MLitt.

Requirements

• Postgraduate candidates will be expected to hold a Russian Bachelor’s degree - Diplom Bakalavra/ Bakalavr Diploma or a Specialist Degree issued by the Russian Federation -  Specialist Diploma / Diplom Specialista.  In either case, students should have completed their degree with an average mark (grade) of 4 or higher on the Russian 5-point marking scale.  Students with higher level qualifications such as Magistr, the Kandidat Nauk, would also be considered for postgraduate study.
• CV
• Sample of academic work (2,000 words)
• Letter of intent (300 to 500 words)
• Two original signed academic references
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates 
• IELTS 7.0

Scholarships

• Russia Global Education Program (GEP)
• Accommodation Award
• Chevening Scholarships 
• Thomas and Margaret Roddan Trust Bursary 

Museum and Gallery Studies at the University of St Andrews offers a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the theory and practice of curation, collection management, and cultural heritage. The curriculum combines academic coursework with practical experience, enabling students to develop critical skills necessary for careers in museums, galleries, and related cultural institutions. Core modules typically include topics such as curatorial practice, museum management, conservation, digital cultural heritage, and public engagement. Students may also have opportunities to specialise in areas such as archaeology, art history, or anthropology, depending on their interests and career aspirations.

The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from history, archaeology, art history, and other fields to equip graduates with a well-rounded understanding of cultural institutions. Practical elements often involve internships or placements within local museums and galleries, providing valuable hands-on experience. These placements help students build professional networks and gain an understanding of operational aspects, audience development, and curatorial strategies. Additionally, students may be encouraged to participate in research projects or exhibitions, fostering skills in research, interpretation, and presentation.

The program is suitable for individuals seeking careers in museum education, curation, conservation, or collection management. It also prepares students for further academic research, including PhD studies. The faculty involved in the program are experts in the fields of museum studies, archaeology, and art history, ensuring that students receive mentorship from leading scholars. The university’s location in St Andrews provides access to significant archaeological sites and cultural collections, enriching the learning environment.

Graduates of Museum and Gallery Studies have pursued careers in prominent museums, heritage organisations, and galleries across the UK and internationally. The program's focus on both theoretical understanding and practical skills makes it highly relevant in a competitive job market. Overall, the program aims to produce well-rounded, knowledgeable professionals capable of contributing to the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of cultural heritage worldwide.