Museum Studies

The MSc Museum Studies program at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of the theory and practice of museums and related cultural heritage institutions. Designed for individuals interested in pursuing careers in museum management, curation, education, conservation, and policy, this course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary challenges and opportunities faced by museums worldwide. Through a combination of academic lectures, practical workshops, and industry placements, students develop essential skills in collection management, exhibition design, interpretation, audience engagement, and digital technologies. The program emphasizes critical analysis of museum roles within society, fostering a global perspective on cultural representation, inclusivity, and ethical stewardship. Students have access to UCL’s extensive resources, including specialized research collections, state-of-the-art conservation facilities, and collaboration opportunities with leading museums and cultural organizations. The curriculum covers key topics such as museology, museum governance, curatorial practice, cultural history, and the use of digital media in exhibitions. Additionally, students are encouraged to undertake research projects tailored to their specific interests, supported by expert faculty with extensive professional experience. The program aims to prepare graduates for versatile careers across museums, galleries, archives, and cultural institutions, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to succeed in the dynamic field of museum and heritage management. Upon completion, students will have a deep understanding of the ethical, social, and economic dimensions of museum work and be capable of contributing effectively to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.

Students are equipped with a range of skills that they can apply in any museum and develop critically aware perspectives on professional practice and research processes. The programme's main aim is to provide an in-depth understanding of approaches to the research, documentation, communication, interpretation, presentation and preservation of curated materials in museums, while responding to their audiences and communities. 

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules (75 credits), two optional modules (30 credits), work placement (15 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

All students are required to take the following: 

• The Museum: Critical Perspectives
• Managing Museums
• Collections Management and Care
• Museum Communication

Optional modules

Students also choose further options to the value of 30 credits from the following: 

• Antiquities and the Law
• Collections Curatorship
• Cultural Heritage, Globalisation and Development
• Cultural Memory
• Exhibition Project
• Intangible Dimensions of Museum Objects from Egypt
• Oral History from Creation to Curation

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project on a museological topic which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, practical workshops, museum visits and guest speakers. Students are required to undertake a work placement for a total of 20 days. Assessment is through coursework assignments, projects, essays, field reports, portfolio and the dissertation.

Placement

Students are required to undertake a 20 days' work in a museum (or similar institution). This usually takes place one day per week during term-time, although other arrangements may be possible. Students write an assessed 2,500 word report at the end of the placement reflecting on their experience. 

Recent placements have included: Brent Museum, the British Museum, Croydon Museum, Event Communications, the Freud Museum, Hackney Museum, London Transport Museum, the Museum of London, RAF Museums, the Royal Academy, Royal Botanical Gardens, Royal Historical Palaces, St Paul's Cathedral, Tate Britain, UCL Museums & Collections. 

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants should also have gained experience of working in museums or related organisations (this experience is often gained in a voluntary capacity).

Institute of Archaeology Master's Awards: A small number of grants of £1,000 are available for the academic year 2017/18. All UK/EU and Overseas fee paying students with an offer to start any Master's degree offered by the IoA are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 1 March 2017.

Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)

Value:

Full fees, flights, stipend, and other allowances (1 year)

Eligibility:

Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on both academic merit and financial need

The MSc in Museum Studies at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a diverse range of careers within the cultural heritage sector. This programme combines academic rigor with practical experience, providing a critical understanding of the theories, principles, and challenges involved in the management, interpretation, and exhibition of museum collections. The curriculum covers a wide variety of topics, including curatorial practice, museum management, conservation, audience development, digital humanities, and ethics in museums. Students also have the opportunity to engage with current debates on public history, heritage preservation, and the evolving role of museums in society.

The program typically attracts a diverse cohort of students from around the world, offering a multicultural learning environment that enriches discussions and broadens perspectives. The faculty comprises leading experts and researchers in the fields of museology, archaeology, anthropology, and conservation. Students benefit from UCL’s extensive network of museums, galleries, and cultural institutions across London and beyond, which facilitates internships, collaborative projects, and networking opportunities that are crucial for career development in the museum sector.

Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects, often in partnership with partner institutions, which helps to develop analytical skills, critical thinking, and practical competence. The course structure typically includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and field visits, supporting a blended approach of theory and practice. Graduates of the MSc Museum Studies at UCL have gone on to work in various roles such as curators, museum educators, collections managers, conservators, and heritage consultants, working in leading institutions around the world.

UCL’s location in London offers unrivalled access to world-class museums including the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Museum of London, providing students with unique opportunities for experiential learning. The program is also well-connected with industry professionals and organizations, offering career panels, guest lectures, and placement opportunities. This MSc program is suitable for those aiming to develop a comprehensive understanding of museum practices and seeking to contribute meaningfully to the preservation and appreciation of cultural heritage through innovative and sustainable approaches.