Jill,

I'll throw my opinion into the mill...

Of the ones you mentioned, I know the most about the University of
Leicester and its programs. I have heard of the others, but they have not
found their way onto my radar in the same way. I am not sure if that
relates directly to international reputation or not.

As to getting a job in the US when you are done, I am not sure it will make
any difference. I personally do not get the impression the US museum field
has moved into a prestige hiring phase, that biases toward any particular
school, or toward an international education. There is certainly a big
difference between certificate programs and full degrees, as well as quite
a difference between the various degree programs, but there does not seem
to be a trend(of which I am aware) toward preferential hiring of one over
another. Most employers seem to conclude that one museum degree is the same
as another, perhaps indicating a failure on our part to properly inform
them. But then, perhaps I have been out of the loop for too long, or am
just naive. I would think a degree from the UK would be an interesting
element on your CV, which might pique an employer's interest and get your
foot in the door. It certainly can not hurt, and I imagine it would be
quite fun to be there for a couple years.

In any case, you should go with the program that impresses you the most,
not the one you think will impress employers when you return. When it comes
down to the nitty-gritty of competing with many other qualified individuals
for museum jobs, especially at the entry level, it is the person and their
demonstrated understanding of the field that gets the job not their
credentials.

Good luck.

Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850



             Jillian
             Pazereckas
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             05/24/2004 08:39
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I've recently been accepted to four MA Museum Studies programs in England:
University of Leicester, University of Leeds, University of Manchester, and
University of Newcastle.  As I'm planning on returning to the U.S after the
program, I'm trying to figure out which one has the best international
reputation.  Does anyone know about these programs?  Would one carry more
weight than the other in hiring?  I appreciate any insight you all might
have.  Thanks, Jill Pazereckas

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