PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION FOR Master of Letters Museum and Gallery Studies

Transcription

1 PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION FOR Master of Letters Museum and Gallery Studies Awarding institution: Teaching institution: Programme type: Programme title: Faculty: School(s): Language of study: Programme length: University of St Andrews University of St Andrews Postgraduate Taught Museum and Gallery Studies (distance-learning) Faculty of Arts School of Art History English 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time SCQF credit level: 11 Contact details: Admissions criteria: Accreditation details: QAA benchmarks: Route code: A good first degree and preferably some museum work experience. We accept not only students who have studied art or art history, but also graduates in any other discipline relevant to museum work, such as history, archaeology, anthropology, physical and natural sciences. Recognised by the Museums Association For general QAA information on academic infrastructure see TALDAHIXMSG Date(s) of production: April 2010 Date(s) of revision: November 2010 Authorised by: Tom Normand

2 Educational aims of programme This programme will deliver focused specialist study of museum and gallery studies, with two modules on the theory and practice of museums, art galleries and related organisations, at an advanced, research-led level in which students will gain an understanding of how knowledge is created, advanced and renewed. This postgraduate programme by distance learning essentially provides professional preparation for working in museums and galleries. This is focused mainly on curatorial training, but curators also need a proper understanding of the work of all their colleagues and, especially in small museums, the curator may have to tackle a wide range of duties. Hence, subjects such as the principles of conservation, museum education, exhibition planning and design, and various management topics are also included. Students will have the opportunity to develop and use a range of specialised research skills and methods, engaging directly with advanced topics including: the nature, development, types and purposes of museums, galleries and heritage bodies in Britain; the history of collecting; the principles and practice of collections management; current issues and ethical and philosophical questions on museums and collections; the nature of museum audiences and their needs, and services provided for them; the range of issues involved in museum management (governance, administration, planning, marketing, finance and personnel). This programme will encourage in all students a desire to pursue learning with curiosity, integrity, tolerance and intellectual rigour. Programme outcomes / Graduate attributes In the course of this programme students will develop programme-specific skills. Students will work with critical understanding of both principal and specialist theories, principles and concepts so that on completing the programme they should be able to demonstrate to a large extent the graduate attributes outlined below. a) Intellectual skills and attributes Ability to construct a coherent argument or debate Ability to apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to specialist issues Ability to evaluate hypotheses, theories, methods and evidence within their proper contexts Ability to reason from the particular to the general Ability to identify relevant techniques and concepts to solve problems Ability to demonstrate a sophisticated use of a range of resources appropriate to the task at hand Ability to solve complex problems by critical understanding, analysis and synthesis Capacity for close textual analysis and comparative analysis Capacity for close analysis of visual material Advanced capacity for deductive reasoning Ability to evaluate best practices in a manner appropriate to the task at hand Ability to engage directly with current research and developments in the subject Ability to engage with primary and secondary material and appreciate the differences between them Capacity to show independence of thought Demonstration of qualitative methods of analysis Demonstration of logical processing of information Ability to analyse ethical and philosophical issues Demonstration of critical analysis of observations in museums and galleries intellectual rather than emotional/aesthetic appreciation. Knowledge of evaluation methods 1

3 Preparation of a reflective project report detailing the context, the work involved and the specific, personal learning outcomes. b) Professional / subject-specific / practical skills Advanced critical skills in museum management, interpretation, education and collections research Ability to offer advanced analysis of museums and galleries Advanced knowledge of a range of museum practices and topics Engagement with a variety of museological issues Detailed knowledge of appropriate professional practices and standards Fluency in the use of museum-related vocabulary and meanings Expertise in the use of a collections management systems Conversance with the variety of approaches to museum outreach and interpretation Ability to articulate an advanced knowledge of museum professional practices Evaluation of publications Proof-reading experience. Research skills. Risk management Planning and implementing real projects for the benefit of museum and gallery organisations. Taking individual responsibility for the production of a piece of practical museum work. Linking current theory with practice, recognising professional standards and ethical issues. Monitoring the work and delivering a project within an agreed timetable. Identifying and developing required new skills. Evaluating the impact of the project on completion. Preparing and delivering a Powerpoint presentation about the individual project. Safe handling and mounting of objects for display. Use and creation of websites. Use of data-base programmes. c) Transferable skills Active and reflective learning Library research skills Collecting, organising and synthesising information Independence and initiative Creativity and curiosity Critical analysis and argument Project management Advanced IT skills Effective and confident communication with peers and more senior colleagues Critical reflection on own and others roles and responsibilities Ability to communicate with rigour in writing Professional organisation Sophisticated critical reasoning Clarity of expression in writing Oral presentations with confidence Achievement of a practical solution through individual project work and team exhibition Time management and self-discipline Decision making Team leadership Interpretation of complex information of differing kinds Rapport building Advanced problem solving Active engagement and initiative in team working Collective responsibility 2

4 Administration, e.g. record keeping of correspondence, budgets, project progress, committee agendas and minutes, etc. Financial management. Forward planning. Management of formal meetings. Understanding of own learning styles. Self-directed learning. Understanding of the importance of continued professional development. Teaching, Learning and Assessment strategies Teaching, learning and assessment are progressive, with both the content and methods of delivery changing to suit the increasing level of complexity in the material, and independence of students, as they work through the programme. The skills and graduate attributes listed above will be accomplished through delivery of the following teaching, learning and assessment strategies appropriate to the programme aims. a) Teaching and Learning Students will engage with independent and group study in a supportive framework of teaching and learning. The strategy is to use methods of teaching and assessment that will facilitate learning appropriate to the aims of the programme. The following methods will be employed where appropriate to the level of study and the particular content of each module in the programme. Autonomous learning groups Independent study activities (supervised and unsupervised) Independent, directed reading Lectures One-to-one discussion Project work Seminars Small group discussion tutorials Tutorials Workshops The taught courses include lectures, seminars and practical workshops by museum and gallery studies staff and visiting speakers, both from within the University and from the museum profession. Group visits to museums, galleries and heritage attractions are an essential element of the taught courses, as are seminars, discussions and debates about these visits and the issues they raise. Students are encouraged to approach the visits in an analytical manner, looking out for points of interest in the way the museums and galleries are organised and run. b) Material submitted for assessment Assessment can be a blend of diagnostic work to determine student needs, formative work submitted for assessment and feedback (but not necessarily for academic credit) or summative work submitted for academic credit. Continuous assessment AV media presentations Oral presentations Essay interpretation/translation Summative essays Assessment of the taught course is by written assignments in a variety of formats including an academic essay, a documentation project, an object study, an education lesson plan, reviews and management reports. Students are required to give a presentation on their project work 3

5 c) Learning and Teaching support Students scholarship skills (in, for example, academic writing, information gathering and academic conduct) will be supported and developed through this programme. The following will be available, where appropriate to the level of study and the particular content of each module in the programme. Class handouts/handbooks elearning web-based and via the virtual learning environment (VLE) Written feedback on work submitted (in accordance with School and University policies) Library support Recommended reading lists and booklets (for the programme and specific modules and courses) Access to specialist University support units School guidelines for good scholarship Office hours and staff availability Access to University multi-media centre Small group teaching In the first semester there are taught sessions related to the exhibition element of the project work and regular formal meetings. In the second semester there is a series of sessions on research methods as training for the dissertation. Programme structure As with all St Andrews programmes, this taught postgraduate programme is made up of credit bearing modules. Students must earn 120 credits over the duration of the programme. For information about compulsory and optional taught modules please consult the Course Catalogue at This catalogue describes the detailed structure of the programme and the content of its modules. Students who do not proceed to the dissertation may exit with an interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) or a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) depending on the number of credits gained. Full details of the Senate Regulations which cover this taught postgraduate programme can be found at regulations pdf. Distinctive programme features Among the distinctive features of this programme are the taught modules on theory and practice, which introduce students to issues related to working in museums and galleries in the 21st century. These are complemented by a programme of project work based on the University's museums and collections, or with local museums and galleries, which enables students to develop relevant practical skills and to experience the dynamics of teamwork. Project work provides skills-based training and experience and is intended to complement the knowledge-based taught courses. This practical work includes the organisation of an exhibition as part of a team and an individual project covering another area of museum work, such as collections management or outreach activities. Other features include: a) Visits to museums and galleries b) Visiting speakers from the sector c) Use of the University's museums and collections for teaching and for exhibition and project work 4