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MA Museum and Artefact Studies

Durham University's unique MA in Museum and Artefact Studies aims to provide students with high quality training relevant to a career in museums, the cultural heritage sector, and in the academic world. In particular, it is intended to equip students with a sound knowledge and critical understanding of current professional principles, good practice and contemporary debates relating to museum and artefact studies.

It aims to help students develop a variety of skills:

  • Professional skills, relevant to the care, management and exhibition of collections in museums
  • Analytical skills, relevant to the study of a wide range of materials and artefacts, from different periods and cultures, and from a variety of disciplinary perspectives
  • Research skills, relevant to studies of museums and artefacts, including an awareness of current theoretical issues
  • Communication skills - oral, written and visual - relevant to work in the museum profession and to academic research.

It also aims to encourage students to take personal responsibility for their own learning, team-work and professional conduct.

Find out more about this course and apply

Please note: This programme is no longer accepting applications from China for entry in September 2024 due to high demand and competition for places. The programme will reopen to applications from China in September, for entry into the September 2025 cohort.

Collage of artefacts from the Museum & Artefact studies MA

Two routes, many possibilities

Two distinct routes can be followed through the MA in Museum and Artefact Studies. These comprise different combinations of modules.

The first route is intended for those who firmly intend to pursue a career in museums and galleries. The second route through the MA provides you with a different choice of modules. It is intended for those with a strong interest in artefact studies, who may wish to pursue a career in the cultural heritage sector or undertake further postgraduate research in museum or artefact studies after completing the MA course, but who also wish to keep their options open.

University student
The Museums and Artefacts Studies course is excellent because it's so flexible. I studied a module of Roman archaeology, as well as gaining an excellent grounding in museum studies, as part of Route II of the course. Staff in the department helped me every step of the way, and I was encouraged to get involved with artefact-based projects in Durham and outside it - including the opportunity to look after the finds for a dig in Italy. I would recommend studying at Durham to anyone.
Coralie Clover
MA Museum and Artefact Studies graduate