The University of Leicester (UK) has a number of study methods; a 1-year
full-time Masters degree course, a 2-year part-time course for the masters
degree and a Masters Degree by distance learning. Details od the Distance
Learning Course follow. For more information, please e-mail a mailing
address to [log in to unmask] See also http://www.le.ac.uk/museumstudies.


One of the strengths of distance education is that it allows students to
bring together their working and learning lives, encouraging an individual
and student-led approach to education.  However, you are by no means
working alone.  The department is committed to supporting its distance
learning students and you will have continuous access to a series of
support mechanisms.

The course offers all of the following:

• flexible learning for study from home or work

• comprehensive, stimulating and thought-provoking course materials
delivered to your door

• access to cutting edge research and professional practice

• learning support through tutor and student networks

• assessment by coursework and dissertation

• optional summer school

· optional tutorials

· high standards and rigorous quality procedures

The distance learning course is based on the Department’s full-time and
part-time courses which have been validated in the UK by the Cultural
Heritage National Training Organisation (CHNTO) and recognised by the
Museums Association.  The first group of students started the course in
June 1998 and towards the end of the year 2000, once the course has run
through one complete cycle, both organisations have agreed to consider the
distance learning course.  Once recognition has been attained, students who
have already started the course will be included.


Course Content
The course comprises six modules undertaken in the following order.  Each
module has 10 units of study.

1.  Museum Studies: Ideas and Issues defines the museum and maps out
current trends in museum provision and practice providing an opportunity to
explore contemporary issues of relevance.  It takes a constructively
critical look at the challenges and opportunities facing museums and those
who work within them.   Resources include a comprehensive study guide, a
series of key texts, an audio recording of discussions and debates from the
campus-based course and a range of additional resources including codes of
ethics and ethical guidelines.  (A similar set of resources are provided
with each module.) Areas covered by Museum Studies: Ideas and Issues
include:

· museums, museum governance and the infrastructures within which they
operate
· the museum profession and professionalism
· professional ethics
· standards in museum practice
· current issues and challenges
· cross-disciplinary discussion and debate

2.  Material Culture examines the nature and meaning of objects and
collections.  This involves their evaluation from a number of perspectives
and the study of collecting both in its contemporary and historical
contexts.  Areas covered by the module include:

· history of collectors, collections and museums
· a consideration of the human propensity to collect
· analysis of changing attitudes to objects and collections and how this
impacts upon the museum
· researching objects and collections

3.  Museum Communication and Education is a detailed course of study
introducing the educational role of the museum and the theoretical and
practical expertise necessary to develop their educational potential.
Areas covered by the module include:

· processes and communities of interpretation
· learning in museums
· the development of effective exhibitions
· museum visitor studies

4.  Collection Management considers the practical activities which underpin
collection access.  This module exposes the policy, legal and ethical
issues of collection control including discussion of techniques used in
documentation, insurance, and security.  Areas covered by the module
include:

· standards and procedures in documenting museum collections
· collection security and insurance
· collection management procedures including acquisition and disposal
· national and international law relating to the protection of cultural
property

5.  Care of Collections considers the ways in which museums preserve
material.  It examines different conservation strategies, and how a
detailed understanding of decay mechanisms can be harnessed to produce cost-
effective preventative conservation.  Areas covered by the module include:

· preventative conservation
· the science of materials
· decay mechanisms including light, humidity, atmospheric pollutants and
pest infestation
· handling and transportation

6.  Museum Management and Marketing.  This module introduces issues which
allow museums to respond proactively to the challenges faced by constant
political, social and economic change.  It develops an understanding of
marketing issues and explores the means by which museums can build
relationships with both existing and new audiences.  Areas covered by the
module include:

• strategic direction and planning,
• leadership,
• staff development
• project management.
• marketing research and promotional strategies
• audience development
• the museum as agent of social inclusion
• business sponsorship and income generation

Integrated within each module, where appropriate, is consideration of the
increasingly important role of new technologies within museums and
galleries.  In addition, the courses provide opportunities for you to apply
your own knowledge and interest in specialist disciplines to enable you to
tailor the course to your own career objectives.

Within each module one unit is devoted to research methods.

Course duration and structure
The qualification of postgraduate diploma is awarded after successful
completion of all six modules taking 24 months.  Students who wish to
progress to the Masters programme and who have attained an appropriate
level of marks in their assessed work (usually an average mark of around
60% or above) will research and write a 12-15,000 word dissertation over
the following 6 months).

Each module will require around 100 hours of study over a 3 month period.
In addition, you should expect to spend approximately 40 hours on your
assignment for each module.  This equates to around 10 hours work per
week.  You will have a three week break after the successful completion of
each module.

Course materials
Each of the modules has a comprehensive package of materials delivered to
your door, either at home or work, providing everything you need to
complete the course successfully.  The materials include comprehensive
study guides developed by the department and including activities to
develop your understanding of the subject area, course readers and books,
as well as articles and audio-visual material appropriate to each module.
As you progress through the course, the materials you receive will develop
into an extensive and invaluable resource.

Student support
A network of experienced and committed museum professionals is available to
support you in your studies and help you to gain the most from the
course.   A small team of tutors with specialist expertise in each of the
areas covered by the course will work with you throughout you
registration.  You will receive one-to-one support from tutors via post,
fax, email and/or telephone.  You will also be assigned a tutor who will
remain a constant point of contact throughout your studies and who will
provide pastoral care and support should you need it.  Every effort is made
to help distance learning students feel a part of the department’s student
body.

Once a year the department runs a summer school which provides an
opportunity to come to Leicester, meet staff and fellow students and
participate in a week-long programme of lectures, discussion groups, visits
and social events.

The department operates an email discussion list where students can
exchange ideas and thoughts with other distance learning students.  Our
website provides links to useful web-based resources.  These are additional
services and do not form an essential part of the distance learning course.

Assessment
Assessment is in the form of a 4000 word essay or project for each module.
Successful completion of all six assignments will lead to the award of the
Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies.  A further 12-15,000 word
dissertation on a subject of your choice will lead to the award of Masters
degree in Museum Studies.

An MSc can be awarded in preference to an MA where the dissertation
concerns a science collection or museum or where the nature of the
investigation can be termed ‘scientific’.

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