Seasonal Schools
Discover Culture Beyond the Classroom
MAGMa's Seasonal Schools offer students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of global cultural practices through immersive, place-based learning outside of term time.
These short, intensive programmes — offered in both summer and winter — complement the core academic curriculum by providing hands-on experience, interdisciplinary perspectives, and direct engagement with cultural institutions, professionals, and heritage sites.
Each Seasonal School explores different aspects of the cultural and creative sectors, from curatorial practice and museum studies to the art market and cultural tourism. Whether based in Glasgow or further afield, these programmes are designed to broaden horizons, stimulate critical thinking, and foster cross-cultural dialogue.
From behind-the-scenes access to world-renowned museums to working alongside industry professionals, our Seasonal Schools transform theoretical knowledge into practical understanding. Students return with enhanced skills, expanded networks, and fresh perspectives that enrich their academic journey and future career prospects.
Note: Our Seasonal Schools are non-credit bearing and subject to change each year. Please ensure that your programme is confirmed before booking travel or paying for visas.
The Hunterian Summer School, Glasgow
Taking place for two weeks in June/July of students' first year, our Summer School is hosted in collaboration with The Hunterian and invites MAGMa students to engage critically with the histories, collections, and contemporary responsibilities of one of Scotland's oldest and most significant public museums.
Set at The Hunterian and the wider University of Glasgow campus, the programme explores urgent themes such as colonial legacies, ethical collecting, and the future of public heritage.
Through seminars, curator-led discussions, and hands-on activities, students gain practical insight into the inner workings of cultural institutions. The curriculum encourages dialogue and reflection on the role of museums in shaping collective memory, identity, and accountability.
Tata Institute of Social Sciences Winter School, Mumbai
Delivered across two weeks in December of students' second year, our Winter School is hosted in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and offers MAGMa students a deep dive into the dynamic cultural landscape of Mumbai — India's economic powerhouse and a major hub of arts and heritage.
Set within one of the world's most vibrant and complex urban environments, the programme explores how museums, the art market, and cultural tourism operate in contemporary India.
Through lectures, workshops led by multidisciplinary faculty, and field visits across the city, students gain practical insight into cultural heritage management in a non-Western context. The curriculum encourages critical examination of how cultural institutions navigate tradition, modernity, and globalisation in rapidly changing societies.
How to Apply
In November of semester one, all MAGMa students will have the opportunity to apply for a place at one Seasonal School. Applications typically close in early December, providing sufficient time for planning and preparation.
Our Summer Schools typically run for two weeks in June-July of students' first year, whilst our Winter Schools run for two weeks in December of second year.
Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis following the application deadline. We recommend submitting your application promptly once contacted to secure your preferred Seasonal School location.
Funding & Costs
The cost of one Seasonal School is included in all MAGMa students' programme fees, regardless of whether you are self-funded or scholarship-supported.
This includes:
- Full accommodation provided by our partner institutions in each location
- All programme activities, site visits, and educational content
- Expert guidance from local cultural professionals
Students are responsible for arranging and funding their own:
- International flights and travel to the programme location
- Personal expenses, meals outside of organised activities, and incidental travel costs
- Travel insurance and any required visa applications
Why Attend a Seasonal School?
- Gain hands-on experience working directly with museums, galleries, and cultural institutions you wouldn't access through traditional coursework
- Build professional networks by connecting with industry professionals, curators, and cultural practitioners who can provide career guidance and opportunities
- Develop practical skills in exhibition curation, collection management, and cultural programming through real-world projects
- Experience different countries and immerse yourself in diverse cultural contexts, from Glasgow's arts scene in summer to Mumbai's cultural landscape in winter
- Enhance your CV with unique experiences that demonstrate cultural awareness and practical knowledge valued by creative sector employers
- Learn in small groups with personalised attention, deeper discussions, and stronger peer relationships
- Bridge theory and practice by applying academic concepts to real cultural challenges in professional environments
- Discover new career paths through exposure to diverse roles in museums, arts administration, and cultural policy
- Develop intercultural competence essential for working in today's globalised cultural sector