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

Students should possess a primary degree to second honours level from a recognised third-level institution, in one of the following disciplines: Archaeology, Anthropology, Folklore, History, Heritage Studies or Local Studies. Applications will also be considered from graduates in other disciplines who have a demonstrable interest and/or experience in museum work. All applicants will be interviewed.

Students take 90 credits as follows:

Part A

AR6022 The Museum in the 21st Century (5 credits)
AR6023 The Museum Environment (5 credits)
AR6025 Museums and the Public (5 credits)
AR6028 Museum Curation (5 credits)
AR6032 Museum Administration (5 credits)

Part B

AR6026 Museum Placement 1 (10 credits)
AR6029 Work Placement 2 (10 credits)
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 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.

AR6030 The Exhibition Experience (10 credits)
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.

AR6027 Dissertation in Museum Studies (35 credits)
The main period for dissertation work is July–September

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

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 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.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Museum Studies (NFQ Level 9, Minor 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 all that is involved in the design and management of modern museums. This will include an ability to identify, describe and document artefacts and collections; plan, organise and mount exhibitions and displays; contribute to the care, use and understanding of museum artefacts and collections; contribute to the development and delivery of museum education and learning programmes, and finally, devise appropriate strategies for the marketing of museum and their exhibitions;
• Apply a range of intellectual and technical skills that are transferrable to other areas of employment. These include project design, management and marketing skills, problem-solving and critical learning ability.