Museums have been of enormous importance in shaping empires, nations and cities, and their collections are connected to wider histories of conflict and social change. To study museums is to study the development and fierce contestation of our collective cultural imagination and memory.
Museum studies is a dynamic and expanding field. If you want an insight into contemporary debates about museums and their cultural significance, then this is the course for you.
You begin with a core course that introduces interdisciplinary perspectives on the study of museums and a research skills module where you work collaboratively with your classmates. You then take an option module in an area of specialist interest.
As well as regular museum and gallery visits, the Postgraduate Certificate in Museum Cultures at Birkbeck, University of London offersÊan exciting study tripÊevery spring.
Highlights
- Arts and humanities courses at Birkbeck are ranked fourth best in London and 18th in the UK in theÊTimes Higher Education World University Subject Rankings.ÊIn the Research Excellence Framework (REF), Art and Design at Birkbeck achieved 100% for a research environment supporting world-leading and internationally excellent research.
- The School of Arts offers a number ofÊbursaries for postgraduate students. Funds are also available to supportÊresearch expensesÊfor your coursework on this MA.
- TheÊDepartment of History of ArtÊhas an international reputation for its innovative approaches to the history of art, visual culture and museum studies, and attracts a rich programme of visiting scholars and practitioners. It is home to theÊHistory and Theory of Photography Research Centre, theÊArchitecture Space and Society Centre, the Centre for Museum Cultures and theÊVasari Research Centre. You will also have access to the Centre for Film and Visual Media which is based in the Department of Film, Media and Cultural Studies.
- The Department hosts a range of events including:Êinformation eveningsfor prospective students; the annualÊMurray Lecture where speakers have included Penelope Curtis, director of Tate Britain, and Neil McGregor, director of the British Museum; and exhibitions and displays atÊtheÊPeltz Gallery, the School of Arts' purpose-built exhibition space. You are also welcome to attend other seminars and events across theÊSchool of ArtsÊand at theÊBirkbeck Institute for the Humanities.
Careers and Employability
Graduates can pursue careers in museums/galleries/auction houses, the creative arts, media and education. Possible professions include higher education lecturer, museum/gallery curator, or arts administrator. This degree may also be useful in becoming a researcher or advertising account executive.
