Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aims of the module are to provide students with:
An introduction to key management practices and challenges in the museum/gallery/heritage sector;
An introduction to, and framework for, key analysis tools used before, during and after projects;
A critical introduction to key legislation and working practices common to museum/gallery/heritage organisations, and;
A critical introduction to key legislation and working practices common to freelance or self-employed professionals in the museum/gallery/heritage sector.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module provides an introduction to key management practices in the museum/gallery/heritage (MGH) sector. It aims to provide a critical and ethical understanding of how MGH sites function, and the core methods, techniques and skills that are needed to work collaboratively. It is split into three sections. The first sets out the core skills and knowledges implicated in MGH management and leadership, introducing key terminology and techniques. The second critically explores resulting relationships, looking closely at key groups, ideas, challenges and working practice 'on the ground'. The third provides space for critical reflection in relation to a number of 'real-life' challenges. As such, the module examines broader issues in the sector, while relating them to specific examples, enabling students to expland their knowledge of the running of MGH venues, as well as enhancing their management and ledership skills.

Indicative issues to be covered in the module include: strategic planning; project management; budgets; the management of teams and/or volunteers; generating projects; tenders, bids and commissions; site and event management; complaint and conflict, and; leadership.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students successfully completing the module will have had the opportunity to:

Develop an awareness of key terminology and legislation as employed in the field;
Develop a comprehensive understanding of key project management techniques, tools and relationships;
Explore techniques for the management of teams and team meetings, including the management of conflict;
Explore strategic planning tools and their application;
Consider issues such as critical hiring practices, leadership and conflict within museums, galleries and heritage sites;
Consider the relationships developed between management and ‘other’ teams such as volunteers, freelancers and/or external partners
Develop an awareness of the key principles of budgeting and financial management;
Develop a sound understanding of the relationship between ‘management’ and museums, galleries and heritage sites.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students successfully completing the module will have had the opportunity to:

Gain subject-specific skills in relation to the professional management of museums, galleries and heritage sites and projects (e.g. the ability to apply the professional knowledge gained above to a variety of work contexts);
Develop the cognitive skills to apply the above knowledge in relation to specific examples of museum, gallery and heritage practice;
Acquire management, team and leadership skills appropriate for work in the sector as either a freelancer or employee in a museum/gallery/heritage organisation.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Module talk: This teaching method will be used to introduce the module and brief students about assessment.

Lecture: This is the core teaching method used to achieve all of the knowledge learning outcomes.

Small-group teaching: This teaching method is intended to allow students to consolidate knowledge learning outcomes and to meet the skills outcomes through critically applying their new knowledge. It also allows students to practice all of the skill sets within the Graduate Skills Framework.

Fieldwork: on-site activity to engage with a case study site that complements and relates to other teaching methods and helps students to achieve knowledge learning outcomes.

Independent study: This teaching method enables students to independently deepen knowledge outcomes and to practise all skills outcomes, as well as applying cognitive/intellectual, self-management and interaction skills in particular.

Drop in/surgery: This allows students to raise questions about/discuss the assessment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module is designed to introduce students to effective management practices in the museum/gallery/heritage sector, and to provide them with a variety of tools and techniques to use in ‘real-life’ situations. The assignment, written in the form of a report, will test the knowledge and skills gained by setting a number of scenarios common to the sector. The report will also allow students to build up specialist knowledge relevant to their chosen MA programme and to explore a specific set of issues in greater depth and in relation to the relevant literature.

General Notes

N/A