Duration and mode of study

Two years (Master's) or eighteen months (Postgraduate Diploma) by distance learning. All students will apply for the MA. You will then have the option to register on the MSc or Diploma at any time during the course.

Start dates

April and October each year.

Entry requirements

Normally at least a good second-class honours degree or its equivalent, or a minimum of five years’ relevant work experience. In addition, some applicants may have some experience, often in a voluntary capacity, of working in museums, galleries, heritage sites or the media and related interpretive areas.

Fees

These are the total course fees.

2012/13

MA/Postgraduate Diploma

Home/EU: £7,350

International: £12,270

International discount: £10,235 (eligible countries)

Course aims

To unpick the common issues in interpretive, representational and communication practices across the cultural, environmental and heritage sectors and beyond, in order to inform practices in those professions engaged in interpretation in museums, visitor centres, education, journalism and so on. The programme is suitable both for students who wish to acquire professional knowledge, skills and values, and for those individuals who wish ultimately to pursue further research.

A Master of Science (MSc) can be awarded in preference to a Master of Arts (MA) where the dissertation concerns a science collection or museum, or where the nature of the investigation can be termed ‘scientific’.

Course modules

• Interpretation and representation: context and critique
• Objects of interpretation
• Human subjects of interpretation and representation
• Interpretation and representation in action

Teaching and assessment methods

You will undertake a programme of supported, self-directed study. All materials necessary to complete the course are mailed to students and tutorial and pastoral support is provided. The course integrates theoretical approaches, historical and contemporary case studies and practical skills on an interdisciplinary basis. All students follow the same core course of study, but each is encouraged to focus their learning and research within areas of particular interest and experience.

The course is global in outlook, but simultaneously facilitates the use of institutions, practices and objects available locally for each student. The programme is stimulating and intellectually demanding, fosters an aptitude for critical and creative thinking, and strongly encourages students to engage with the literature, case examples and each other whilst reflecting on their own interpretive interests and experiences.

All modules are assessed. Students who achieve the required standard and who wish to work toward the Masters degree, complete a dissertation.

Contact

Admissions Secretary
Tel: 0116 252 3963
Fax: 0116 252 3960
museum.studies@le.ac.uk
www.le.ac.uk/museumstudies

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