MA Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies

University of East Anglia UEA

Museums and heritage bodies have a major influence on cultures and societies across the globe. They respond to and shape current moral, political, social, ethical and religious debates. By connecting the present to the past, they help shape the future.

On this postgraduate course you’ll develop an understanding of the history of museums and heritage bodies, and critically interrogate the theoretical models on which they’re based. At the same time, you’ll acquire knowledge of the practical approaches used in the 21st century museum and heritage sectors.

You’ll have opportunities to study the world-famous collection of art held in the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, itself a celebrated icon of modern museum architecture.

Placements are also a distinctive part of this course and offer you another way to develop your professional skills.

ABOUT

The greatest strength of this course is the way it combines the theory and practice of both cultural heritage and museum-based collections. You’ll be invited to think about museums and cultural heritage from a global perspective, whilst drawing on the wealth of nationally recognised institutions across the East Anglian region.

You’ll benefit from studying within the multi-disciplinary department of Art History and World Art Studies, learning from academic staff who approach museum studies and cultural heritage from a range of outlooks, including art historical, archaeological, and anthropological perspectives.

You’ll also have the chance to build your professional skills with the Museum and Heritage Practice module. This comprises a series of sessions that include presentations by senior industry experts and a work-based placement.

Placements might be in venues like the Castle Museum in Norwich, in country houses in East Anglia, or in the world famous Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. Wherever your work-based placement is located, you’ll develop a wealth of key skills. The course will prepare you for a variety of careers in the museum and heritage sectors. Alternatively, you can use it to launch yourself into further research in the rapidly advancing fields of museum studies and cultural heritage.