From an employment perspective, pursuing a Museum Studies degree abroad is the best choice if you aim to work in the museum field. Most Museum Studies programs are designed to cultivate students interested in museum-related work, covering exhibition content development and design, museum technology, public outreach, communications, and social media. So, what are the program options for studying abroad at the graduate level? Which Museum Studies programs in the UK and US are recommended? Let’s dive into detailed application advice for Museum Studies programs.
Advantages of Studying Museum Studies Abroad
For Those Planning to "Take the Civil Service Exam," a Graduate Degree is a Prerequisite
From the public recruitment announcements on the national public institution platform, the competitiveness of candidates with foreign graduate degrees is significant. In this year's hiring list of the National Museum of China, almost all are graduate degree holders. Positions such as science popularization management and exhibition management are filled by graduates with Museum Studies or related majors. Thus, for those planning to take the civil service exam, a graduate degree is the entry threshold.
For Those Planning to Work in Private/Corporate Museums, an Overseas Graduate Degree is Highly Valued
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In summary, whether you plan to return to China to work in museums, a graduate degree is indispensable! Next, let me introduce several university programs related to Museum Studies.
UCL MA in Museum Studies
UCL (University College London), as one of the UK's G5 universities, is the third oldest university in England after Oxford and Cambridge. Its long educational history and advantageous location have attracted many students.
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UCL's Museum Studies program is based on museum practice, theory, and research, engaging in academic exploration and professional practice around museums, galleries, and heritage sectors. The program is part of the UCL Institute of Archaeology, the largest and most interdisciplinary archaeology department in the UK. Students in this program not only have access to major museums and galleries in London and UCL's rich library and archival resources, but the institute's own important museums and collections are also subjects of teaching and research, including the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, the Art Museum, and the Grant Museum of Zoology.
Core courses include Museum Management, Collections Management and Care, Museum Communication and Audience Engagement, and a semester-long dissertation. There are also extensive elective courses and a 20-day museum placement.
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From an overall curriculum perspective, this program is highly friendly for those aiming for direct employment. According to university data, 90% of graduates find jobs in the museum sector. It is important to note that the program's admission requirements require applicants to have work or volunteer experience in museums or related organizations.
NYU MA in Museum Studies
NYU's Museum Studies program is a typical career-oriented program. It emphasizes interdisciplinary research and practical training in museums. In addition to completing five core courses, including Museum History and Theory, Museum Collections and Exhibition Management, and Museum Management, students must also complete a 200-hour internship at a museum or related cultural institution. The curriculum allows students to take elective courses in history, anthropology, art history, etc., to meet future career needs.
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Graduates of this program have diverse career options, not limited to the museum industry; education, media, and other sectors are typical destinations. Careers range from curators to collections managers, public relations specialists, and more.
For applicants to NYU's Museum Studies program, a GPA of 3.6 or above is recommended. There is no major restriction, though archaeology, history, and literature-related majors have some advantage. Language requirements: TOEFL ≥100; IELTS ≥7.
It is particularly important to note that the program suggests applicants take the GRE. If no GRE score is submitted, a Writing Sample is required. Therefore, prospective students are strongly advised to take the GRE.
Columbia MA in Museum Anthropology
Columbia's MA in Museum Anthropology is jointly offered by the Department of Anthropology and the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). This combination of top-tier academic resources and large museum support makes it an ideal choice for both recent graduates and museum professionals.
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The program includes four core courses: Museum Anthropology: History and Theory, Ethical Issues in Museums, Exhibition Practices in a Global Context, and Exhibition Cultures; and two internships.
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Internship options include the American Museum of Natural History, the Brooklyn Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and more—offering rich internship resources and opportunities!
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Applicants to Columbia's Museum Anthropology program are advised to maintain a GPA of around 3.7. Although not mandatory, relevant experience in the museum field increases the likelihood of admission. Language requirements: TOEFL ≥100; IELTS ≥7.5. Additionally, while GRE scores are not required, a 10-15 page Writing Sample and three academic recommendation letters are needed.
In general, Museum Studies programs typically balance employment and academic needs, offering internships of varying lengths and usually requiring a thesis. A Writing Sample is also often required during application. Therefore, students whose undergraduate majors are closer to Museum Studies, such as archaeology or history, have a relatively higher chance of success. Pre-application museum work, internship, or volunteer experience also improves the probability of success.
Below are some offers for museum-related programs~
That concludes the overview of career prospects, graduate study advice, and program introductions for Museum Studies. Interested students can scan the QR code below to start a 1-on-1 consultation~
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