Art Gallery and Museum Studies MA

Develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional experience to work in museums, galleries and cultural organisations.

MA Art Gallery and Museum Studies combines critical approaches to museum theory with hands-on professional practice. You’ll examine diverse issues related to museum theory and practice, visit numerous museums, galleries and cultural organisations, and discuss ideas and issues with professionals and academics in the field.

Designed for those considering a career in the sector, as well as professionals looking to develop their expertise, the course explores contemporary museum practice, engaging with the key challenges and opportunities museums and galleries today.

You will explore areas including collections care, exhibition development, audience learning and engagement and museum practice while gaining insight into emerging critical approaches and developments across the sector.

Manchester offers an outstanding environment for museum and gallery studies. Through the Institute for Cultural Practices, you will benefit from strong partnerships with museums, galleries and cultural organisations.

You can undertake a placement involving 20 days of project work within a museum, gallery or cultural organisation. Past placements have been at the Manchester Museum, The Whitworth, Tate Liverpool, Manchester Art Gallery, Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester International Festival, The Royal Exchange Theatre and Chorlton Arts Festival, to name a few.

In addition, field trips take place to cultural organisations in Manchester, the wider north-west of England and beyond. Regular trips include Liverpool, London, Oxford and Leeds, and there is also an international trip to Amsterdam or Berlin.