Overview

The MA (Museum Studies) is a full-time programme running for 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Work Placement

Students will undertake two museum placements (10 credits each) of four weeks duration each, where they will learn aspects of museum management, planning, design and practice, as well as the opportunity to work on a particular project such as an exhibition. Work placements are in Semester 2 and 3. The Department of Archaeology will arrange all placements for the students. Contracts will be drawn up between the Department and the placement Museum outlining what the student should expect and what can be expected of the student while on placement. The supervision responsibilities of the Museum concerned and the Department of Archaeology will also be outlined.

Postgraduate Certificate in Museum Studies

Candidates who pass at least 30 credits of taught modules may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Museum Studies.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Students take 90 credits as follows - modules to the value of 35 credits in Part A and 55 credits in Part B:
Part A
Students take 35 credits as follows:
Core Modules
AR6022	The Museum in the 21st Century	5
AR6023	The Museum Environment	5
AR6025	Museums and The Public	5
AR6026	Museum Placement 1	10
AR6028	Museum Curation: Objects, Their Collection, Recording and Presentation	5
AR6032	Museum Administration	5
Part B
Students take 55 credits as follows:
Core Modules
AR6029	Work Placement 2	10
AR6030	The Exhibition Experience 1	10
AR6027	Dissertation in Museum Studies 2	35
Total Credits		90

¹

Students will prepare a temporary museum exhibition on an agreed theme for a public audience. The work for this exhibition and its public launch is done in Semester 3.

²

The main period for dissertation work is July–September.

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for MA in Museum Studies (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding and knowledge of museum practice and theory, in both historical and contemporary contexts;
  
• Acquire further experience of practices, procedures and policies in the contemporary museum;
  
• Apply a critical awareness of current issues in the field (including professional ethics) to professional practice;
  
• Appreciate the role of the museum in contemporary society, and how this has developed historically;
  
• Develop an awareness of what is involved in the design and management of modern museums;
  
• Apply a range of intellectual and technical skills acquired in this course to other areas of employment.