External summary

The study and interpretation of diverse museum and gallery collections involves theoretical, historical and practical approaches to artefacts from world cultures past and present. Drawing on disciplines such as anthropology, art history, archival studies, conservation, history of music, history of science, and sociology, this exciting field is about working at the interface of academic research and the curatorial profession. The Edinburgh approach, based around strong partnerships with national cultural institutions in the city, fosters the next generation of researchers and museum and gallery professionals. It affords unique opportunities for live project delivery in national institutions, ???master classes??? with leading experts, and a rigorous framework for intellectual development and innovation.

The Programme aims to develop:

• Knowledge and understanding of curatorial practices, concepts, research paradigms and research findings, together with the ability to make links to the relevant historical background;
• Research skills, including visual, library and archival skills, which will equip students to contribute to knowledge and practice in the collections, museums and gallery sector;
• An awareness of applications and implications of curatorial theories and research;
• The ability to think critically and creatively about theoretical, empirical and applied issues and their inter-relationships;
• An appreciation of the diverse, wide-ranging nature of curatorial studies and an ability to make links between different areas of the discipline;
• Active-learning skills and transferable skills (e.g. group-work skills, study skills, information retrieval skills, communication skills).

Educational aims of programme

Although the museum and gallery sector is the subject of a large number of taught programmes in the UK, the wider context, including libraries, archives, medical history, musical instrument collections and other heritage and interpretation institutions, is often not considered in research programmes. Moreover, the theoretical and practical implications of recent changes in institutional structures (including the re-classification of collections), exhibition-making, funding and staffing demand new and sophisticated forms of academic debate and engagement. ???Collections and Curating Practices??? is a distinctive programme built around the unique position of Edinburgh College of Art in the University and the city of Edinburgh. It combines advanced research with relevant practices, including archival work and temporary exhibition organisation. At its core are high-quality peer-group research placements delivered in partnership with national cultural institutions. It creates the opportunity to address the diversity of approaches that now underpin notions of collecting and curating while supporting students in defining research questions for the sector in the twenty-first century. It provides rigorous research training in curatorial theories and practices relating to a wide range of collections, museums and galleries, and the option to take courses in a range of Humanities disciplines. Bearing in mind the highly competitive nature of the employment market in the cultural sector, the programme includes training in key professional skills, research training, as well as a significant work-based element, requiring group working and thinking.

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

???Collections and Curating Practices??? is aimed at students wishing to develop research-level knowledge and to gain practical experience of professional working as part of a peer group in a public institution, delivering a live project. Students will gain critical, analytical, interpretative and other research skills that are transferable to further academic research, to museum collections and curatorial settings, and to other professions. Students who wish to pursue further research at PhD level may, subject to an appropriate proposal, skills and qualifications, register at point of application for a 1+2 programme.

At the end of the MSc(R) in Collections and Curating Practices, student will have:

• A critical understanding of the theories and practices, both historical and contemporary, which define collections and curating in the present, and will also have engaged with debates on the future development of the field;
• Extensive, critical knowledge and understanding in one or more specialist area of research;
• Knowledge and critical understanding of the working practices and organisational challenges in one or more cultural institution;
• An awareness and understanding of the practical and professional aspects of collections development, management and use (including acquisition and disposal policies and practices; storage, handing, shipping and insurance; display; interpretation, access and audience engagement; the role of governing bodies, relevant schemes and professional membership organisations).

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

The MSc(R) in and Curating Practices will foster analysis, investigation and problem solving in a range of contexts. In particular, the programme will enable students to:

• Identify and use a range of resources, including not only written and digital materials but also artefacts and visual art, in order to acquire and organise information and amass arguments relating to collections and curating or other relevant fields of inquiry;
• Plan and execute a significant project of research, including defining research questions or problems and testing them against evidence and existing research;
• Demonstrate originality or creativity in the application of knowledge, understanding and/or practices to research questions or problems;
• Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to the study, care and display of cultural collections that are at the forefront of, or informed by, developments at the forefront of curatorial practice and research; ???
• Identify, conceptualise and define new problems and issues in the field of collections and curating, and show creativity in proposing solutions to them.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

The MSc(R) in Collections and Curating Practices will encourage students to work independently, to be curious and open to new challenges. In particular, the programme will enable students to:

• Be open to new ideas, methods and approaches in the field of curating, and be creative and imaginative in proposing solutions to problems;
• Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in professional and equivalent activities, including being responsible for resources and accountable for decisions in the context of placement projects with external partners as well as academic study;???
• Have an independent approach to their own learning through critical self-reflection, self-evaluation and self-development;
• Be able to collaborate with others, debate approaches effectively, and modify their own ideas in order to strengthen their views.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

Students graduating from the programme will value communication. They will use this skill to negotiate and collaborate with others, and also use it in enhancing their own learning. Methods of communication used during the programme will include oral, written, electronic and visual means, addressing both individuals and groups. More specifically, the programme will enable students to:

• Communicate, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise, as well as in diverse contexts;
• Communicate with peers, more senior colleagues and specialists;
• Enhance their own learning through effective use of communication approaches, and by seeking and valuing open feedback.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

Graduates in Collections and Curating Practices will be able to effect change and be sensitive to the environments in which they work. They will:

• Understand social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities and issues, particularly those relating to the display, management and care of artefacts;
• Be able to work effectively with others, capitalising on their different thinking, experience and skills to deliver on project objectives;
• Be able to create and harness opportunities;
• Be responsive to their changing surroundings, being both flexible and proactive;
• Have the confidence to make decisions based on the their understandings and their personal and intellectual autonomy;
• Be able to transfer their knowledge, learning, skills and abilities from one context to another, for example from working in a museum or library to academic study, and vice-versa;
• Be able to work with others while valuing their diversity and equality.

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

The core course will include introductory training relating to the principles and practices of collections management as well as institutional practices including interpretation, access and audience engagement. More advanced professional training in relevant practices will be given by partner organisations during placement projects. In addition, the programme will enable students to use a range of IT skills in the delivery of presentations: oral, written and visual.

Programme structure and features

All components will be at SGF level 11.

The structure comprises 120 credits of research project work, plus a 20-credit core theories-and-methods course (Collections: Theories, Practices and Methods), plus 2 x 20 credits of optional courses or 1 x 40 credit independent research essay. The core course is a new course designed specifically for this programme. It will also be open to other PGR students through an application process. The optional courses will be selected from an approved range of existing PGT courses in University.

The shape of the academic year for the typical student is as follows:

Semester 1 (60 credits of study in total):

Guided Research Project hosted by partner institutions (60 credits across 2 semesters ??? equivalent of 30 credits per semester. In Semester 1 students will produce three professional self-appraisal reports, the first two of which will be formative assessments, the third worth 25% of the Guided Research Project)

Compulsory core course: ???Collections: Theories, Practices and Methods??? (20 credits spread across 2 semesters, equivalent of 10 credits per semester)

1 x Option Course (20 credits) OR work towards 1 x Independent Research Essay (40 credits across 2 semesters)

Semester 2 (60 credits of study in total):

Guided Research Project hosted by partner institutions (60 credits across 2 semesters ??? equivalent of 30 credits per semester, comprising one professional self-appraisal report worth 25%, plus a group presentation and group project mark, worth 50% of the Guided Research Project)

Compulsory core course: ???Collections: Theories, Practices and Methods??? (20 credits spread across 2 semesters, equivalent of 10 credits per semester)

1 x Option Course (20 credits) OR submission of 1 x Independent Research Essay (40 credits across 2 semesters)

Semester 3 (60 credits of study in total):

Completion of an individual project  - dissertation (with the potential to transfer to PhD registration). (60 credits)

Entry requirements

To be considered for entry to the programme, students must have a good Honours degree (at least a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent e.g. 3.4 GPA or better) in any area of arts (e.g. fine art, digital arts, art, visual culture), humanities (e.g. art history, cultural geography, literature, archaeology, cultural studies) and social sciences (social anthropology, sociology), history of science or a related field. In addition, they will have professional or internship experience in museums, galleries or other cultural organisations. Students entering the programme will be able to demonstrate aptitude for conducting research at a level beyond that expected in a taught masters degree, and will also be able to demonstrate willingness to work as part of team in a professional context. Applications will be considered by a panel including the Programme Director and a representative of the Programme Steering Group. They will be allocated a supervisor within ECA.

Application Process

The application process will be online.  Applicants will be required to submit a CV, and reference together with two pieces of written information:

1) A research proposal detailing the dissertation topic that the student is considering, the research context and methods.

2) Details of relevant training, skills and previous experience. The selectors will pay particular attention to the statement of previous experience, especially where this provides evidence of engaging with collections, working as part of a team, and of successful project delivery.

Progression Requirements and Awards

The programme conforms to the University???s research Assessment Regulations.

Award: MScR Collections and Curating Practices (pass)

Students must average at least 50% over their course marks for the first 120 credits of the programme in semester 1 and 2.  In addition they must secure a mark of 50% or higher in the final project.

Award: MScR Collections and Curating Practices with Merit

The student must be awarded at least 60% on the University???s Postgraduate Common Marking Scheme for the dissertation/final project and must pass all other courses with an average of at least 60%.

When a student does not qualify for a distinction as of right, they may be considered for the award of merit if (a) their final research project mark and (b) their credit-weighted average mark across all the taught courses are both 58.00% or higher.  The decision whether or not to award the distinction in such cases is at the discretion of the Board of examiners.  In exercising its discretion, the Board will take into account the following factors: (a) the student???s credit-weighted average across the degree as a whole; (b) the number of courses (including the dissertation/final project) in which the student received a mark of 60%, and the credit weighting of those courses; (c) any special circumstances, such as illness or other adverse personal circumstances, which have been brought to the Board???s attention.

Award: MScR Collections and Curating Practices with Distinction

The student must be awarded at least 70% on the University???s Postgraduate Common Marking Scheme for the dissertation/final project and must pass all other courses with an average of at least 70%.

When a student does not qualify for a distinction as of right, they may be considered for the award of distinction if (a) their final research project mark and (b) their credit-weighted average mark across all the taught courses are both 68.00% or higher.  The decision whether or not to award the distinction in such cases is at the discretion of the Board of examiners.  In exercising its discretion, the Board will take into account the following factors: (a) the student???s credit-weighted average across the degree as a whole; (b) the number of courses (including the dissertation/final project) in which the student received a mark of 70%, and the credit weighting of those courses; (c) any special circumstances, such as illness or other adverse personal circumstances, which have been brought to the Board???s attention.

Exit Award: Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) in Collections and Curating Practices

Students who have not fulfilled the criteria to be presented for the award of an MSc degree can be awarded a PG Diploma.  In order to be awarded the Diploma, students must pass at least 80 credits at SCQF level 11; and attain an average of at least 40% for the 120 credits of study examined for the Diploma in semester 1 and 2.

Students who have fulfilled the criteria to proceed to dissertation/final project but do not wish to progress are eligible for the award of the PG Diploma. 

Students who achieve a mark below 50% in their dissertation/final project may be awarded a Diploma for attainment in the taught component only.

Exit award: Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Digital Media and Culture

In order to be awarded a Certificate in Collections and Curating Practices, students must pass at least 40 credits at SCQF level 11; and attain an average of at least 40% for the 60 credits of study examined for the Certificate during semesters 1 and 2.

Learning Outcomes in relation to Assessment

Outcomes listed in 11a) will be assessed through a written essay for the core course, feedback on professional self-appraisal reports (verbal and written feedback) and feedback on the group project and group project presentation (verbal and written feedback).

Outcomes in 11b) will be assessed through written essays and through dissertation work.

Outcomes in 11c) will be assessed though written essays, and through group project work (verbal and written feedback on both individual and group aspects).

Outcomes in 11d) will be assessed through group presentation, and through professional self-appraisal reports.

Outcomes in 11 e) will be assessed through performance on the group project (verbal and written feedback) and through written work for the core course.

Modes of study

12 months full-time study.

(24 months part-time study may be considered where this can align successfully with the project placement component. Note that this option is not available to overseas students requiring a UKBA Tier 4 visa).

Relationship to University of Edinburgh Strategic Plan 2016

The MSc(R) in Collections and Curatorial Practices is designed to support the objectives of the Strategic Plan. Through our partnerships with leading cultural institutions it contributes to realising the vision of treating the city itself as a ???living lab??? for research and ???an open classroom for our students to develop and apply their skills???. In particular, the development theme of ???Partnerships with Industry??? is key in terms of ???seek[ing] employers??? input to course content and degree programme development and delivery???, as well as ???provid[ing] meaningful work-related learning for students??? (p.16). The programme is based on a strong model of partnership with major local/national institutions, and this in turn will support the strategic goal of ???Leadership in Learning???. Through its guided research placements, based around live projects delivering objectives defined with partner organisations, the programme aims to ???support varied opportunities for independent and student-led learning??? (p.7).  Overall, the programme is committed to supporting ???independent, creative and critical thinkers to develop as innovators, researchers and explorers??? (p.7).???

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

There will be a range of teaching and learning methods employed to support the learning outcomes. These include but are not limited to: seminar presentations, lectures and master-classes by staff, Honorary Fellows and by experts in the field of collections and curating practices.

• Each student will be assigned a Personal Tutor (usually the Programme Director) and will be allocated a supervisor in relation to the project proposal submitted at application stage, with this allocation being reviewed in the middle of the second semester as the student???s research interest develops. The Programme Director monitors the overall academic progress of the student, while the supervisor directs the final research project.
• Students will have at their disposal a range of relevant university computer services, with network access. They will have access to some facilities and support in partner organisations, subject to the nature of the guided research placement project.
• Students will be entitled to use excellent library facilities including the University Library, the libraries and archives of The National Galleries of Scotland, The National Museum of Scotland, The Fruitmarket Gallery, and The National Library of Scotland.
• Edinburgh has a strong research community in the arts and humanities and students will be encouraged to participate in research activities that are relevant to their studies, particularly those in ECA, as well as CHSS and IASH, such as seminars, colloquia and conferences.
• There will be an annual Collections and Curatorial Practices conference co-organised by the students and to which they may contribute. This may take place in Innovative Learning Week or in collaboration with Edinburgh Science Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival or other prestigious programming context.

Assessment methods and strategies

The 60 credit guided research placement work will be assessed by the Programme Director and a partner representative through a) one individual professional self-appraisal report and one independent essay, worth 15 credits each, discussed in person with the student, and b), a 30 credit group mark based on a presentation and assessment meeting attended by members of the programme Steering Group, which will be video recorded for reference for the external examiner. The strategy for this mixed assessment diet is to provide experience of professional appraisal/personal development planning and to ensure that performance in group working is assessed in relation to delivery of project outcomes. Training for the placement project will be provided by the partner institution and by the course team, and will include whistle-blowing, health and safety, confidentiality and risk policies.

The 20 credit core theories-and-methods course and 20 credit Option Courses will each be assessed by one 4000-word essay (supported by optional formative writing opportunities).  The optional 40 credit Independent Research Essay will be assessed by a 5,000-word essay. Feedback on Option Course / Independent Research essays will be provided in written form and supported by one-to-one feedback discussions with the marker.

Career opportunities

The MSc(R) in Collections and Curating Practices will offer valuable opportunities to build transferable professional knowledge and skills, including advanced visual literacy. Importantly the programme will also assist students in stimulating, productive and enduring networks.   Graduates will be prepared to establish or focus their careers in the creative, cultural and heritage industries.  They will also be equipped to undertake further postgraduate research, such as a PhD, which is now essential to many curatorial and collections management career pathways. (See note above regarding 1+2 registration. Given our focus on employability, alumni development will be integral to the programme. The programme will include intensive career development days (2 per annum) run in collaboration with the Careers Service.

Other items

The programme has been developed in consultation with professional advisors from the partner institutions. A Programme Steering Group has been set up in order to ensure appropriate monitoring of standards in the guided research placement element, and to develop a dynamic and collaborative approach to the delivery of training and of the core course. Memoranda of Understanding with external partners exist or are in preparation at University level. Programme specific agreements will be developed with each partner following approval of the programme.

Steering Group Membership, 2018/19

Dr Ruth Bretherick, The Fruitmarket Gallery

James  Clegg, Assistant Curator, Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh

Andrea Cop, National Museum of Scotland

Professor Neil Cox, School of History of Art

Julie-Ann Delany, Curator, University of Edinburgh Art Collections

Malcolm Macallum, Anatomical Museum, University of Edinburgh

Kirsty McHugh, National Library of Scotland

Dr Jenny Nex, Curator, Musical Instruments Collections, University of Edinburgh

Kerry Watson, National Galleries of Scotland

Convenor: Dr Kirsten Lloyd, School of History of Art