A one-year taught masters degree (NFQ level 9), offered on a full-time basis through the Department of Archaeology and the Department of Management and Marketing in University College Cork. The aim is to provide a broad academic and professional training in all aspects of museum design, management and education, whilst encouraging students to reflect critically on the relevance of these institutions in the contemporary world. This MA is designed for those who wish to enter the museum or heritage centre profession In Ireland or abroad, or who wish to pursue PhD research in museology and related fields. The course provides a balance of theory and practice for students from a range of academic backgrounds, with emphasis on graduates of archaeology and history, and other closely cognate humanities and social science disciplines. The MA programme is made up of taught courses, supervised work placements in museums, the production of a temporary museum exhibition and a research dissertation

This proposal supports a recognised profession within and outside of Ireland, one that has a strategic role in State policy on cultural heritage and tourism. Graduates will acquire a systematic and critical understanding of museum practice and theory. They will have acquired direct experience of practices, procedures and policies in the contemporary museum, and apply a critical awareness of current issues in the field (including professional ethics) to best professional practice. At an applied level the student will acquire an awareness of all that is involved in the design and management of modern museums.