Course Catalogue

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This course enables students to curate and critically evaluate their own programme of professional development in the cultural heritage sector. Students design flexible pathways through self-organised placements, portfolios of practice combining volunteering and training opportunities, or hybrid approaches. Through structured reflection and professional documentation, students assess their developing competencies against relevant professional frameworks and build evidence of their capabilities for future career pathways.

3 x 2 hour Lectures as scheduled on My Campus

2 x 1 hour Project Supervision

Standard entry to Masters at College Level

INFOST5024 Museum Work Placement

INFOST5014 Exhibition Development (with Placement)

INFOST5022 Learning and Engagement in Cultural Heritage (with Placement)

None

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 5 x c.250 words reflective Moodle Forum posts (participation grade) 10%

■ 3000 word Portfolio 90% consisting of critical reflection and related project outputs

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There are not alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ Enable students to design and undertake a coherent programme of professional development suited to their individual career goals and circumstances

■ Promote the acquisition of specialist, conceptual and transferable skills relevant to cultural heritage practice through self-directed professional engagement

■ Develop students' ability to critically reflect on their professional experiences in relation to appropriate professional competency frameworks

■ Develop skills in time management, collaboration, independent learning, problem solving, and project evaluation

■ Support students in building a professional portfolio that documents their developing practice and supports their career development

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Apply relevant knowledge to the practical work of museum and heritage organisations

2. Analyse professional practices and organisational contexts in relation to wider sector issues including policy, strategy, and funding

3. Integrate learning from diverse experiences including practical work, training, and professional development activities

4. Critically reflect on their developing professional competencies in relation to appropriate professional frameworks

5. Evaluate their acquired knowledge and skills and their application to future career pathways

6. Produce professional-quality documentation that meets sector standards