University of Leicester

What you'll study

This distance-learning master's combines theoretical frameworks with practical professional skills used across museums, galleries, archives and heritage sites. The programme covers core areas including collections care and documentation, curatorial and display practice, interpretation and learning, audience development and cultural policy, plus contemporary topics such as digital heritage and community engagement.

Typical modules include:

• Collections Management and Care – principles of preventative conservation, documentation standards and legal/ethical responsibilities for collecting institutions.
• Curatorship and Exhibition Practice – processes of exhibition development from concept to display, object handling and loans management.
• Interpretation, Learning and Audiences – methods of public engagement, educational programming and interpretive planning for diverse audiences.
• Digital Heritage – digital documentation, online access, virtual collections and the role of new technologies in interpretation and outreach.
• Museum Policy, Management and Research Methods – governance, funding models, audience research, project management and research approaches for practice-led investigation.
• Dissertation or Professional Project – a substantial piece of original research or a practice-based project that allows you to apply learning to a workplace issue or development area.

Study is delivered through a combination of online learning materials, virtual seminars, discussion forums and assessed assignments. The distance-learning format permits part-time progression and professional practice can often be integrated into assessments and the final project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (UK 2:1 or international equivalent) in a relevant subject such as history, archaeology, art history, museum studies, cultural studies or a comparable discipline. Applicants with a 2:2 or substantial relevant professional experience in museums, galleries or heritage organisations are also considered.

Because the programme is delivered remotely, applicants must be able to demonstrate competence in English if their first language is not English, typically through an approved language test or equivalent evidence. Applicants should also have reliable access to the internet and be comfortable working with online learning platforms.

The programme welcomes those already working in the sector as well as career changers; professional references and a personal statement outlining motivation and relevant experience are normally required as part of the application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Museum Studies MA/MSc pursue a wide range of careers across the cultural heritage sector. Typical roles include curator, collections manager, exhibitions officer, learning and outreach coordinator, visitor services manager and digital heritage specialist. The programme also equips students for work in cultural policy, museum development, conservation support roles and community-engagement projects.

Many students use the course to progress within their current organisation, move into new professional roles, or to prepare for research degrees (PhD). The emphasis on practical skills, digital competencies and research methods supports employability in both large national institutions and smaller regional or independent organisations.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester has a long-standing reputation for teaching and research in museum and heritage studies, with academic staff who are active researchers and practitioners in the field. The distance-learning MA/MSc builds on this expertise to provide a recognised programme that balances scholarly rigour with professional relevance.

Students benefit from dedicated online learning support, access to the university library and digital resources, and links with museums and heritage organisations across the UK and internationally. The programme’s flexible delivery is designed for professionals and international students, enabling you to study while continuing to work or fulfil other commitments.

Leicester’s approach emphasises contemporary concerns in the sector – including audience inclusion, sustainability, ethical collecting and digital innovation – preparing graduates to respond to current and emerging challenges in museums and cultural heritage.