Museums, Galleries and Contemporary Culture MA

Entry requirements

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline, including culture and heritage studies, visual arts and media, languages and literature, and history.

All applications from any prospective student without a degree in a relevant area or without higher education qualifications, including from candidates with demonstrable relevant work experience and relevant professional qualifications, will be carefully considered. Applicants may be asked to supply a written response to a set text to demonstrate suitability for the course.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components.

Applicants are required to submit one academic or professional reference.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The Museums, Galleries and Contemporary Culture MA examines how cultural institutions are changing to meet the needs of the 21st century. The MA is for you if you're pursuing a career as a museum professional, curator, or arts organiser. It will equip you with a critical understanding of the key conceptual and practical skills in curatorship, museology and museum management necessary for you to succeed in your professional life.

The course looks at the changing role of cultural provision and how cultural institutions shape, house, fund and disseminate culture today within the broader theoretical context of museum and gallery issues. You'll examine key themes in the cultural sector, and how these are dealt with by leading and smaller institutions in the UK and internationally. In studying and experiencing their day-to-day work, such as how they’re developing innovative practices in relation to their collections, exhibitions and audiences, you’ll gain valuable insight into the sector.

This MA gives you the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in contemporary debates about working practices in cultural institutions by working closely with museum and gallery professionals. You’ll be able to learn with our London-based course partners, The Museum of London and The Photographers’ Gallery, and to meet a variety of other professionals from the sector. Gaining professional knowledge is an important part of the course and you'll be supported in gaining work placements and in working on professional projects.

Information for international students

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in all components.

Fees and funding

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page. As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.