Museum Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a relevant first degree?
A. Almost anything! Most subjects in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences but History of Art, Archaeology, Classics, Fine Art and History are particularly common first degrees. Subjects in the natural, physical and earth sciences and engineering are also relevant, and under-represented - many museums contain medical, zoological, botanical, geological, natural history, science and technology collections, all of which require expertise.
Q. I already have a masters/graduate degree, is this a problem?
A. Not at all. We are finding an increasing number of students with existing masters qualifications seeking a more career focused option or to re-skill or up-skill. Applicants with existing qualifications in design, IT, education, PR, marketing, fundraising and project management will find themselves in higher demand when combined with a museum studies qualification.
Q. Do I need museum experience before applying?
A. No. Experience in a museum is not an entry requirement as we recognise not all applicants may be able to gain this. We do, however, recommend volunteering in a museum prior to application if possible so you have a better understanding of the work you will go into and some reference points for your studies.
Q. Can I take the degree part-time?
A. Yes, over two years. For many students this helps spread the cost, manage work and family commitments and take up voluntary museum placements.
Q. Do you have many international students?
A. Yes. Each year between 30 and 40% of the students come from outside the UK. We have had students from the USA, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Germany. The university is rated third in the UK for internation student satisfaction and is home to students from 120 countries.
Q. Can I visit?
A. Yes. Each year the University hosts an Open Day for post-graudate students, check the university web site. If you can not make this date you are welcome to visit at any time. If you would like to make an appointment to talk to someone about the degree, please email Ian.G.Anderson@glasgow.ac.uk
Q. How much are the fees?
A. Up to date information on fees for UK/EU and International students can be found on the fees section of the website: http://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/feesandfunding/
Q. Are any scholarships available?
A. Unfortuntaley not.
Q. Is funding available from SAAS (PSAAS)?
A. Unfotunately the degree is not eligble for PSAAS loans.
Q. What are the career prospects like?
A. The museum jobs sector is competitive and low paid but very satisfying, diverse and stimulating. As well as careers in museums and galleries, auction houses, historic homes, science centres, heritage sites, commercial galleries, community groups, education, consultancy, charities, foundations and trusts all provide job opportunities. Of our 2012 class 60% had found employment prior to graduation.
Q. How big are the classes?
A. We aim to recruit approximately 35 students per years and this number will be your biggest class. Many classes are smaller.
Q. How is the degree assessed?
A. Assessment methods vary from course to course but typically comprise a range of essays, reports, reviews, presentations and practical exercises. There are no exams.
Q. What are the term dates?
A. The programme runs from mid Spetember to the end of August. Session dates can be found on the Sentate Office web site: http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/senateoffice/sessiondates/ Please note that you do not sit exams at the end of first semester so the revision and exam periods do not apply and you can return home at the end of the teaching period.
Q. Are other qualifications than the MSc available?
A. Yes. You can exit after 60 credits (typically one semester) with a Post-graduate certificate or after 120 credits (two semesters) with a Post-graduate Diploma. We would, however, encourage all students to aim for the MSc qualification to increase your opportunities in the job market.
Q. I've accepted my unconditional offer, is there any reading I can do in advance?
A. We do not expect students to read in advance of the programme, but if you wish, these are the core texts we recommend students purchase:
- Macdonald, S. ed. A Companion to Museum Studies, Wiley-Blackwell.
- Marstine, J. ed. New Museum Theory and Practice, Blackwell.
- Ambrose, T and Paine, C. eds. Museum Basics, Routledge
Students may also find the following useful:
- Dudley, S.H. ed. Museum Objects, Routledge.
- Sandell, R. and Nightingale, E. eds. Museums, Equality and Social Justice, Routledge.
Q. Can I defer my place?
A. Yes. We recognise that circumstances change and not all students are able to take up their place so you can defer for one year. Please see: http://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/frequentlyaskedquestions/deferring/
Q. How long has the degree been running?
A. Since 2009-10 and the entire degree programme was substantially revised and expanded for the 2011-12 academic year.
Q. Is accommodation available?
A. Yes, please see the post-graduate accommodation page: http://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/accommodation/
Q. What's Glasgow like?
A. A difficult question to answer briefly, but several things stike most visitors about the city; the friendly people, amazing architecture, incredible museums and galleries, large green spaces, vibrant cultural scene and the best shopping outside of London. It's rated by Lonely Planet as one of the world's top ten cities. The following web sites will help you get a feeling for what it's like to live and work in Glasgow: