This course consolidates students' theoretical and disciplinary learning through structured professional placement field-work and applied pedagogical practice within museum and heritage contexts.

It foregrounds the integration of educational theory, disciplinary knowledge and professional standards to support the design, facilitation and evaluation of high-quality public learning programmes.

5 x 2hr seminar sessions - synchronous on campus

2 x 2hr workshop session - synchronous on campus

6 hours field-work placement in a museum/cultural heritage setting

NONE

Part 1 (75%). Professional Portfolio

Equivalent to 3000 words

Title: Portfolio of Practice Design

Professional Placement/Field Work Portfolio, including thematic programme design, session plans, evaluation strategy and critical commentary linking practice to theory and policy.

Part 2: Reflective Professional Log

Approx. 1000 words

Title: Practice-Informed Reflection and Growth

A structured critical reflection demonstrating:

  - Professional growth in knowledge and understanding of museum education in practice

 - Intercultural learning, and engagement with recognition of influencing factors

 - Outline of 1 key challenge experienced in the field and knowledge/understanding of how to address and overcome this challenge

The aim of this course is to deepen understanding of the relationships between theory, policy and practice in museum and heritage education through experiential learning and engagement with professional practice in museum, gallery and cultural heritage settings. The course aims to:

■ Explore how disciplinary knowledge - including art history, material culture, environmental heritage, social history and digital culture for example, is interpreted and communicated through public-facing educational and interpretive programmes.

■ Develop understanding of pedagogical approaches to designing inclusive, dialogic and critically informed learning experiences for diverse audiences across formal and informal museum and heritage education contexts.

■ Provide opportunities to engage with and reflect upon contemporary museum education practice through supervised project and placement activities, with particular attention to co-production, intercultural engagement, evaluation, ethics and professional practice in real-world settings.

■ Foster critical engagement with international perspectives, policy frameworks, professional standards and emerging debates in museum and heritage education, including issues of participation, sustainability and global practice.

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

1. Critically synthesise pedagogical theory and disciplinary knowledge within professional museum practice, demonstrating informed engagement with decolonising, restitutive, and reparative approaches and their implications for education, collections, and public engagement.

2. Design, implement and evaluate inclusive and accessible workshops and learning programmes in museum and heritage contexts, applying advanced pedagogical strategies/learning and teaching practices across formal, informal and community-based settings.

3. Critically appraise international museum education standards and professional frameworks, demonstrating an informed awareness of global practices and standards.

4. Demonstrate professional growth and employability through sustained engagement in the field, underpinned by reflective practice and critical self-evaluation.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.