Exploring Museums, and Meaning: Reflections on the Burrell Collection Visit
Published: 2 December 2025
Ritika, an MSc Media, Communications & International Journalism student, gives us a glimpse into her recent field trip to the Burrell Collection at Pollok Country Park in Glasgow.
Author: Ritika Choudhary, MSc Media, Communications & International Journalism student
As part of our MSc Media, Communications & International Journalism programme, we often find ourselves engaging with complex theories of representation, storytelling, and public discourse. But on one memorable day, these themes leapt from the page into real life as we ventured beyond our seminar rooms into the quiet beauty of Pollok Country Park to visit the Burrell Collection—a trip that blended cultural immersion, academic relevance, and pure joy.
The field trip was thoughtfully arranged by Dr. Galina Oustinova-Stepanovic, programme convenor of MSc Sociology. Galina had asked our Programme Convenor Catriona Forrest to join and bring another academic perspective, along with students from our MCIJ programme, so in the end the trip brought together several of the Sociology-grounded postgraduate taught programmes in our School SPS.
A Cultural Excursion Begins
Our day began at 9:45 a.m., when our group gathered on campus with excitement and cameras in hand, where a mini-bus awaited us. The journey to the Burrell Collection was filled with energy and anticipation, and what followed exceeded all expectations.
As we arrived at the park, we were greeted not only by the striking architecture of the museum but also by a delightful group of Highland cows ambling nearby. Cue spontaneous laughter, selfies, and group snapshots—it was a quirky and utterly Scottish moment that set the tone for the rest of the day.
A group of MSc Media, Communications & International Journalism students at Pollock Country Park.
Scottish Highland cows at Pollock Country Park.
Art, Identity, and Informal Learning
The Burrell Collection itself, with its diverse holdings of art, artefacts, and antiquities, became a live case study in everything we had been learning. From medieval tapestries to Chinese porcelain and Islamic calligraphy, the museum presents a rich tapestry of global culture housed in a contemporary, light-filled space.
As media students, we naturally tuned into the ways meaning is constructed through curation, interpretation, and spatial design. The interpretive texts, audio-visual installations, and interactive displays highlighted how institutions like museums act as storytellers—carefully selecting and framing narratives to shape public understanding.
This intersection of museology and media echoed key themes from our learning. We saw Goffman’s theories on the presentation of self-reflected in exhibit arrangements, postcolonial critiques mirrored in artefact provenance, and questions of visibility and omission brought to life through object placement and context.
A collage of photos at the Burrell Collection at Pollock Country Park
A Day of Conversations and Connections
Beyond the academic engagement, the visit fostered something equally important: community. We wandered through galleries discussing global cinema, art, and our home cultures. These informal conversations deepened our appreciation for each other’s perspectives and reminded us of the truly international spirit of our course.
One particularly special moment came when we met Stewart, cousin of programme convenor for MSc Media, Communications & International Journalism, Forrest, who, to everyone’s surprise, spoke fluent Hindi thanks to the time he spent in India. It was a joyful, unexpected connection that underscored how culture bridges continents and conversations alike.
Taking photos at a Face in the Hole Board at the Burrell Collection.
Playing with interactive screens.
Taking a photo with a giant Highland cow plush toy.
A Shared Meal, A Shared Memory
After soaking up art, history, and atmosphere—not to mention snapping dozens of photos—we returned to campus. Waiting for us was a colourful feast, featuring a wide variety of dishes that celebrated our cohort’s rich diversity. The atmosphere was warm and celebratory, reinforcing the sense of belonging that has grown steadily throughout this journey.
Sharing a meal back at the school.
Final Thoughts: Museums as Media
In reflection, the Burrell Collection was far more than a field trip. It was a lived exploration of how history, culture, and communication intertwine. It reminded us that media isn’t just produced in studios or newsrooms—it’s embedded in the way we present, preserve, and interact with the world around us.
Photo at the entrance of The Burrell Collection.
Selfie at the entrance of The Burrell Collection.
This visit was another highlight of our academic year—not only for the stunning exhibits and cultural insights but for the shared laughter, connections, and curiosity it inspired. It was a vivid reminder that the best learning often happens between the lines of a textbook, in the open spaces of experience.
First published: 2 December 2025