Aims and intended learning outcomes

The key aims of the MAGMa programme are:

  • To offer an integrated, international and coherent programme of study that explores the social, historical, cultural and physical contexts of past, present and future cultural sites as well as critical methodologies;
  • Provide in-depth and detailed insight into the management of art & cultural heritage in line with international, national, regional and community strategies, multiple stakeholders and competing priorities;
  • Examine the practical, legal and ethical implications of business models for art & cultural heritage, and their sustainability within the marketplace, including emerging markets;
  • Help students reflect on the changing perceptions of value in art and culture and on the relationships between art markets and cultural institutions, the nature of local versus global art worlds, the roles of public and private collections, existing cultural institutions and new models in creating cultural heritage;
  • Broaden and deepen students’ critical understanding of the relationships between art and cultural institutions with local and global audiences and the many ways in which such organisations create economic and cultural impact in their communities;
  • Explore the role of the art market in creating collections and the roles of curators and national bodies in the creation of a vital and lively arena for contemporary artists to flourish and diversify.

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and other attributes as described below.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this programme, students will be able to:

  • Evaluate and reflect on the drivers and mechanisms that govern the markets for and management of art & cultural heritage in all its forms from an international, historical and contemporary perspective;
  • Critically assess the interconnected nature of art & cultural heritage and its impact on individuals, communities, institutions, locally and globally;
  • Critically assess the social, economic, legal and cultural issues affecting the art & cultural heritage sector at the international and European level and be able to evaluate them across a full range of contexts;
  • Deploy a range of theoretical and methodological models across a range of art & cultural heritage contexts;
  • Determine solutions to developments and changes in the art & cultural heritage field;
  • Identify and respond to ethical considerations relevant to art & cultural heritage research.

Skills and other attributes

Intellectual skills:

  • Analyse and synthesize information drawn from a wide range of theoretical and applied models and primary and secondary sources;
  • Plan and successfully undertake extended research projects;
  • Work independently to formulate and articulate arguments with confidence.

 

Transferable/key skills:

  • Communicate clearly, accurately and critically in writing and orally;
  • Use IT applications effectively in conducting research;
  • Work effectively independently and in teams;
  • Communicate effectively with audiences at different levels (peer group, academic staff, professionals).