Professional Development Programme for North West Museum Staff
Professional Development Trainees
This professional development scheme has now been completed; the information below is just for reference. For current professional development opportunities at the Centre for Museology, please visit the relevant pages
The University of Manchester in partnership with Renaissance North West developed a new professional development programme (PDP) for museum staff throughout the region. The programme was supported in 2009 and 2010 by the North West Universities Association Higher Level Skills Pathfinder Fund.
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Audio - Introduction to the Professional Development Programme
Who is this for?
The programme is for anyone working in a museum or gallery in the North West who wants to develop their skills and understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing museums today.
We welcome applicants across a broad range of museum disciplines and career paths - from administrative to visitor services, educational to curatorial, fundraising to development, and many more.
How will I benefit?
The programme is designed to re-equip you to become more effective in your current role and to prepare you for future career development.
You will have the opportunity to:
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Develop a strategic understanding of your role within your organisation and the contexts that shape your organisation's policies
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Acquire knowledge and skills in different aspects of museum practice
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Research and reflect on the impact and effects of a work-based project
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Be part of the learning and research community in the Centre for Museology
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Share your knowledge with others and form a network of learners
How will my organisation benefit?
The aim of the programme is to develop the strategic skills, understanding and capacities of museum staff in the NW, in response to the increased emphasis on partnership working both within and between organisations.
Working with Renaissance North West, we want to help develop a more versatile and informed museum workforce by enabling employees and employers to meet their personal and institutional objectives.
Whitworth Art Gallery
What's in the programme?
Before starting the programme, you will work with the staff of the Centre for Museology to design a Personal Learning Plan (PLP), tailored to your needs and aspirations, as well as the goals of your organisation.
We will work with you to construct your PLP from a pick'n'mix menu including:-
- Seminars, lectures, workshops and fieldtrips organised by the Centre for Museology (CfM)
- Blended (paper-based and online) learning resources for independent study
- A research project based in your workplace, jointly supervised by the CfM and your line manager (or equivalent)
- An online network of learners plus network events
- A reflexive learning log in a format of your choice
- A placement programme in another organisation or (if appropriate) elsewhere your own organisation
- Mentoring with a senior colleague in a different organisation
You can spread this flexible learning package over 6 months or 1 year. Together we will work out what's best for you and for your organisation. Entry to the programme is in February each year.
The programme will provide you with a personalized blend of learning on campus, in your work place and in a network of other trainees. Depending on how much learning is involved in your PLP, you will earn Master level credits awarded by the University of Manchester.
You and your employer will also help shape the future of the programme by contributing to an evaluation during the pilot phase.
How much will it cost?
During the pilot phase programme fees will be fully paid by the North West Museums Hub. Your employer will need to provide time off for study and support for a work-based research project. You will also need to consider the costs of travel to the University of Manchester and on field trips.