Museum Studies MA
Arts University Plymouth Campus, United Kingdom
Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Arts University Plymouth
Museum Studies
MA Museum Studies at Arts University Plymouth
The MA Museum Studies at Arts University Plymouth offers a distinctive opportunity to reimagine the role of the museum within contemporary socio-political debates. You will work in close collaboration with The Box, Plymouth's award-winning museum, art collection, gallery and archive, as well as a range of regional and national museums including Tate St Ives, Tate Britain Archives, and RAMM Exeter.
Through this programme, you will propose a project that engages ideas of the contemporary museum using methods including socially engaged practice, community building, and creative education. The museum as a cultural form will be explored through debates around decolonisation, the repatriation of objects, distributed digital archives, the educational role of museums, and diversifying collections and audiences.
The programme builds on the context of Plymouth as a city forging a new cultural identity, drawing on recent landmark projects such as Mayflower 400, Another Crossing: Artists Revisit the Mayflower Voyage, and British Art Show 9. You will study within a specialist arts university led by practising artists, designers and researchers, joining the Postgraduate Centre — an active, cross-disciplinary community of makers and thinkers.
Key Program Highlights
- Direct collaboration with The Box Plymouth, Tate St Ives, Tate Britain Archives, and RAMM Exeter
- Engagement with contemporary debates on decolonisation, digital archives, and diversifying museum audiences
- Practice-led approach combining socially engaged practice, community building, and creative education
- Study at the top-scoring specialist arts university in the UK National Student Survey for four consecutive years
Curriculum and Areas of Study
The MA Museum Studies curriculum integrates theoretical study with practical, research-led projects. You will examine museum curatorship and interpretation, interrogate theories of exhibition and display, and initiate projects focused on the practical, pedagogical and theoretical questions underpinning museum education and outreach.
Examine the complex process of design, museum curatorship and interpretation, developing skills in how museums communicate meaning through objects and displays.
Interrogate theories of exhibition and display, exploring how museums construct narratives, engage audiences, and shape cultural understanding through spatial and visual design.
Critically engage with theories of museology and audience engagement, exploring how museums can diversify their collections and reach new communities.
Initiate research projects focused on the practical, pedagogical and theoretical questions underpinning museum education and audience outreach programmes.
Develop methods of socially engaged practice and community building as productive and mobilising forces within the rapidly transforming museum sector.
Specialist Research Directions
Admission Requirements
The MA Museum Studies programme welcomes applicants from a range of creative and academic backgrounds. The strength of your creative practice and relevant experience will be considered alongside formal qualifications at the interview stage. Apply through Uni4Edu to begin your application process.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeA degree at 2:2 (lower second class honours) or above is normally expected
- Relevant DisciplinesArt, design, craft, media, humanities, heritage, or related fields
- Professional ExperienceEquivalent professional knowledge and demonstrated industry experience may be considered
- PortfolioDigital images of your work demonstrating creative practice and relevant experience
- InterviewApplicants are assessed through an interview process where creative practice and experience are evaluated
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- PTE AcademicMinimum score of 50 overall, with a minimum of 50 in each section
- Trinity College LondonIntegrated Skills in English II (ISE II - Level B2) at pass level in all components
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Arts University Plymouth offers a range of financial support options for postgraduate students. Contact Uni4Edu for the latest information on available scholarships and funding opportunities for the MA Museum Studies programme.
Alumni Progression Award
15% discount on MA programme feesAvailable to all Arts University Plymouth alumni who previously studied on a pre-degree, foundation or undergraduate programme at the university, regardless of when they studied.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
The MA Museum Studies programme prepares graduates for a wide range of roles in museums, curation, heritage and arts management, as well as for further postgraduate research. Museums, art galleries, historical sites, cultural organisations and government institutions seek professionals with advanced knowledge in managing and curating collections, planning exhibitions, conducting research and implementing educational programmes.
Potential Career Roles
Example Employers and Partner Organisations
Rankings & Recognition
Arts University Plymouth is consistently recognised for its outstanding student experience and creative education. As a specialist arts university founded in 1856, it has earned numerous accolades for teaching quality, facilities, and student satisfaction across multiple national ranking frameworks.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Drama & Music | Complete University Guide | Top 10 |
| Teaching Excellence | Daily Mail University Guide | Top 10 |
| Facilities | Whatuni Student Choice Awards | #1 South West England |
| Student Support | Daily Mail University Guide | Top 5 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Tourism and Travel Management (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)
London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
April 2025
Gross Tuition
15500 £
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
International Events, Leisure and Tourism Management - MSc
London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
April 2025
Gross Tuition
20000 £
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Tourism Management (With Thesis)
Istanbul Okan University, Tuzla, Turkey
Earliest Intake
June 2026
Gross Tuition
4500 $
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Tourism Management with Language, BA Hons
University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
September 2025
Gross Tuition
17500 £
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Tourism Management, BA Hons
University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
September 2025
Gross Tuition
17500 £
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
