Museum Practice

Entry requirements

We require successful completion of a master's course with an overall classification of Merit or higher, or its overseas equivalent, with an element of research training. A research proposal must be included with the formal application materials.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Our pioneering PhD Museum Practice doctoral programme is specifically designed for people working in museums and galleries who want to undertake advanced research which builds on their professional knowledge and practice.

The structure of the programme is devised to enable you to develop your career while simultaneously studying for a doctoral qualification.

This PhD is one of a suite of professional practice-focused doctorates overseen by the Institute for Cultural Practices that aim to engage experienced professionals in advanced research.

It takes explicit account of the professional practice base of the student and integrates this as a central knowledge base for the research project.

We aim to support the development of dynamic knowledge outcomes that can have an impact across academic and non-academic contexts, as well as of reflective practice that can respond to and influence the complex unpredictable and shifting social and cultural contexts within which museums and their staff operate.

The programme will introduce you to a range of dynamic and challenging concepts and methods with which to reflect critically and constructively on your professional practice.

You will be supported through a bi-annual residential programme in addition to standard supervisions which sustain the cohort for peer learning.

The structure of the programme is designed to support people who are embarking on advanced research and are combining doctoral study with a career. The PhD is frequently undertaken part-time to provide time for engagement in professional practice.