Why study this course?
The MLitt in Museum and Heritage Studies is a taught postgraduate programme run by the Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Studies, in association with the School of Art History and the Museums of the University of St Andrews. The MLitt is aimed at students wanting to start a career in museum or gallery work, or for those looking for a mid-career change.
Highlights
- The programme provides a grounding in both theoretical and practical elements of museum studies while offering the opportunity for specialism.
- The degree provides broad training, covering museums, galleries and heritage facilities, and includes collections care, exhibition planning and design, management, decolonial practice, environmental sustainability and digital theory and practice.
- Teaching normally takes place in the University, while select structured visits to museums, art galleries, historic houses, ships and other heritage sites inform the programme learning experience.
- Students may apply to undertake practical project work from a portfolio of options with a wide variety of host organisations. This includes the Museums of the University of St Andrews, who steward and share more than 115,000 objects across a wide range of subject areas, from art to zoology, and deliver exhibitions, programmes and digital engagement. Practical project work is indicative, the number of projects available to students for application will vary from year to year.
- Students may also apply to take part in a summer exchange programme at our partner institution, the École du Louvre.
Teaching
Delivered through lectures, seminars, practical sessions and visits to museums and galleries.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word dissertation, a work-based placement, or public engagement project.
Assessment
Assignments include essays, provenance research exercise, proposal for a public engagement activity, and digital projects.
Modules
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. There are two compulsory modules in Semester 1, followed by a selection of optional modules in Semester 2 covering a range of topics.
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
What it will lead to
Careers
Recent Museum and Heritage Studies graduates have gone on to work for a range of institutions, including:
- Chicago Institute of Art
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- National Trust for Scotland
- Scottish Fisheries Museum
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.
Further study
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
Why St Andrews?
Like the University of St Andrews, its museums are rooted in and draw inspiration from this 600-year history of research and teaching, and the pursuit of knowledge for the common good.
The museums' collections are of national and international interest and importance and consist of around 115,000 artefacts and specimens. Museum collections are featured at the Wardlaw Museum and the Bell Pettigrew Museum, stored and studied in a dedicated Collections Centre, displayed across the University campus, and lent for exhibition nationally and internationally.
The temporary exhibitions programme is the lifeblood of the museums, stimulating curiosity and starting conversations. Events are fun and usually free.
The Museums, Galleries and Collections Institute (MGCI) was established in 2005 and is a leading centre for consultancy, training and research in the heritage sector. It hosts an annual public lecture, usually given by an eminent museum director.
The School of Art History, where Museum and Heritage Studies academic staff find their home, supports a large, active and diverse postgraduate community. Postgraduate students publish the peer-reviewed North Street Review journal containing articles on a wide range of topics by students at St Andrews and other universities.
The School organises postgraduate research seminars and occasional symposia. Each year, they invite a number of artists and scholars to give lectures.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“My work-based placement had allowed me to build connections within the digital museum industry and learn from first-hand experience of shadowing current working professionals in the field, and the exchange to study at the Ecole du Louvre was a unique opportunity.”
- Selangor, Malaysia
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- Museum work or voluntary experience is welcome, as are transferable skills gained in other roles
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The MLitt in Museum and Heritage Studies welcomes applications from students from all disciplines relevant to museum work, such as:
- History
- Archaeology
- Anthropology
- Languages
- Media and Mommunications
- Physical and Natural Sciences.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- CV that includes a history of your education and employment to date
- personal statement (500 words)
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £25,900
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
- The Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust Scholarship, an award of £5,000, is open to students of Museum and Heritage Studies.
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
Contact us
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 17 March 2025
