Curating Science and Technology

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons). We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines. Professional experience will also be considered.

Experience of volunteering or working in a relevant field, such as science communication and technology within museums, galleries and/or heritage organisations, is required. We do not require a specific length of time to have been spent in work experience, although you must have engaged meaningfully with the sector and you must be able to critically reflect on your experience in your personal statement and at interview.

You should also be able to demonstrate an interest in the relationship between art, science and technology.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This Masters course will enable you to develop an independent academic and curatorial practice at the intersection of art, museum studies, and social studies of science, technology and communication.

You will engage with current debates in art and museum practice, alongside studies of science and technology, to encourage new understandings of art and science for the 21st century.

You will undertake a range of active learning activities from developing displays, programmes and events to developing digital content and designing your own research projects. Read about exhibitions and activities curated by our students.

The course has been developed by the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies in close collaboration with the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science, allowing you to study compulsory and optional modules from both Schools.

You’ll be supported by an interdisciplinary team of academic staff from both Schools, the involvement of professionals at our partner institutions including the activities of the Centre for Critical Studies in Museums, Galleries and Heritage and you’ll have access to resources in the University's Museum of the History of Science, Technology and Medicine, providing opportunities for research and for developing professional skills valued in the museum and cultural sector.

You will become a member of the Centre for Critical Studies in Museums, Galleries and Heritage and enjoy networking events and links to alumni, to conferences, seminars and reading groups.

Course tutors include researchers with a background in history of science, science communication and museums and heritage, including collections, curatorial, education and engagement work:

• Dr Liz Stainforth (Programme Director)
• Dr Jamie Stark
• Dr Jonathan Topham

Curating Science and Technology is also available as a Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate. You will study fewer modules and not complete a dissertation.

Specialist facilities

Housed within a single central campus location, the School offers a modern and well-equipped learning environment with several studio and exhibition spaces.

Project Space is the School’s multi-purpose space designed for the development of curatorial practice and visiting exhibitions.

The Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections - valuable assets for your independent research.

In addition to the wide range of museums and galleries in the city and beyond, the University campus features:

• The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery
• Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery
• Museum of the History of Science, Technology and Medicine
• Marks & Spencer Company Archive
• International Textile Collection
• Public art trail
• stage@leeds

Information for international students

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Arts and Humanities (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Arts and Humanities (10 weeks).

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.