Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why study museums in Manchester?Q. How broad is the AGMS curriculum?
Q. Is work experience part of the AGMS?
Q. Are there any funding opportunities?
Q. Is the AGMS MA professionally accredited?
Q. Does the University of Manchester have its own museum?
Q. How will the AGMS MA support my career goals?
Q. What are the career destinations of AGMS graduates?
Q. Is it possible to go on to a PhD after the AGMS MA?
Q. How can I get a prospectus of the AGMS MA?
Q. I am an International student. Can you tell me more about life and study in Manchester?
Q. Where will I live? Are there any accommodation halls?
Q. How can I apply?
Q. Why study museums in Manchester?
Curriculum: In 2000, the Art Gallery and Museum Studies (AGMS) MA curriculum was thoroughly revised, updated and re-launched, and since then, the programme has gone from strength to strength. Today, the Centre for Museology is a focus for crossdisciplinary perspectives on museum theory, history and practice within the University. The AGMS curriculum is designed to allow each student to pursue their individual interests within a broad framework of museum practice, past and present. See the range of courses included in AGMS. We have a vibrant teaching and research environment where the interests of academic staff, postgraduate students and professional practitioners converge. Museology students come from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, including history, art history, archaeology, anthropology, classics and natural science. AGMS students examine diverse issues related to museum theory and practice, visit numerous museums, galleries and cultural organisations, and have many opportunities to discuss ideas and issues with professionals and academics in the field. The AGMS course combines both guided and independent study, and includes seminars, guest lectures and site visits.
Museums and Galleries: We have strong working relationships with museums and galleries throughout Britain and abroad, and our teaching is delivered in partnership with The Manchester Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery, both of which are part of The University of Manchester. The wealth of museums and collections in Greater Manchester and the north of England make this an excellent place to study museums. Our students undertake projects and work placements at a great variety of institutions, including: Manchester Art Gallery; Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston; Cornerhouse, Manchester; Henry Moore Institute, Leeds; Lancashire County Museum Service; Liverpool Biennial; Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester; National Museums Liverpool; People's History Museum, Manchester; Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds; Salford Art Gallery; and Stockport Museum. See more on the Work Placement experience of the MA Art Gallery and Museum Studies.
Research Environment: Our MA teaching is informed by our research activity and AGMS students benefit from the exciting range of projects in which Museology staff are involved. See the profiles and research of members of staff. Both the Centre for Museology and the School of Arts, Histories and Cultures host a varied programme of activities and events for postgraduate students, including occasional master classes and workshops, as well as our regular calendar of:
- Museology research seminars
- 'Showcase' seminars at the Manchester Museum
- Institute for Cultural Practices events
- Research forum for PhD students
Q. How broad is the AGMS curriculum?
The AGMS MA syllabus is both broad and flexible, enabling students to explore a range of topics and issues in museum practice, theory and history, including: collections, exhibitions, education, interpretation, material culture studies, visitor studies, concepts of the museum's public, new technology, ethics, policy, architecture and artist's practice.
Two core courses in semester one ('The Museum and its Contexts' and 'Museum Objects and Exhibitions') introduce students to key concepts in museum studies and provide a foundation for the choice of two specialist options courses in semester two. Museum studies is an interdisciplinary field of enquiry and students can also choose one option course from the MA programmes in, for example, Archaeology, History, Art History, Social Anthropology, Classics and History of Science, Technology and Medicine (subject to permission and availability of places).
Q. Is work experience part of the MA?
Yes. All AGMS students undertake a work placement in a regional museum or gallery as part of their programme. See more details.
Q. Are there any funding opportunities?
Students accepted for the Art Gallery and Museum Studies MA programme may compete for Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) scholarships in the Professional Preparation Masters Scheme, fees bursaries and scholarships for overseas students. Find out more in our funding pages. *The deadline for all awards has now passed (1st March 2011)*. The deadline for all awards for the 2012-13 academic year will be announced later in the Autumn.
Q. Is the AGMS MA professionally accredited?
The Museums Association no longer officially recognises specific MA programmes. However, we work closely with both the Museums Association and Creative & Cultural Skills to ensure that both the MA programme and our Professional Development Programme meet the needs and aspirations of museum employees and employers.
Q. Does the University of Manchester have its own museum?
Yes. Two nationally pre-eminent museums are part of the University of Manchester: the Manchester Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery. AGMS students enjoy regular access to their collections, programmes and staff for study and teaching. Also, many students undertake research projects and work placements at each museum.
Q. How will the AGMS MA support my career goals?
The AGMS MA is both a crucial entry-level qualification for anyone seeking to pursue a career in museums or galleries, and is also a valuable resource for continuing professional development for mid-career professionals. In addition, the programme provides a thorough training in the skills needed to pursue postgraduate research. These skills in research design and planning are transferable to jobs in the museum sector as well as being a vital first step to PhD research.
Q. What are the career destinations of AGMS graduates?
Of course, job destinations vary according to the interests, ambitions and skills of each individual, but the majority of our students are successful in obtaining professional posts in collections, exhibitions, education, interpretation or some aspect of museum/arts management soon after completing the MA. According to an AGMS graduate survey on career destinations that we undertook in September 2010, 53% of the respondents got a paid job in the museum and heritage sector within 6 months of graduation and 79% within 12 months. Have a look at the career destinations of some AGMS graduates. Also, the Museums Association is the professional body for museum workers in the UK and its website is a useful source of information about careers in the sector.
Q. Is it possible to go on to a PhD after the AGMS MA?
Yes. The University of Manchester offers a PhD and Mphil in Museology and all of the AGMS lecturers are interested in supervising research students. See the areas of MPhil/PhD research that AGMS lecturers are interested in supervising.
Q. How can I get a prospectus of the AGMS MA?
You can download a digital copy of the AGMS prospectus (the updated 2011-12 prospectus will be available in October 2010).
Q. I am an International student. Can you tell me more about living and studying in Manchester?
The University has an International Development Team dedicated to international students. Check out its webpages.
Q. Where will I live? Are there any accommodation halls?
The accommodation available in Manchester is one of the many advantages of studying here. The university offers a greater number of places in university owned accommodation. There are more than 9,200 places available, almost all of which are within two or three miles of the university campus.The accommodation available ranges from modern, self-catering flats, right through to traditional collegiate-style Halls of Residence. Your Hall is the place where you'll meet new friends and spend a lot of your free time. They are self contained communities with their own bars, common rooms and a hectic programme of social activities. Visit the Accommodation Office webpages to find out more.
Q. How can I apply?
See here how you can apply for the MA in Art Gallery and Museums Studies.