Program Overview
The Collections and Curating Practices at The University of Edinburgh is a MSc programme in Humanities over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Collections and Curating Practices programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: GBP 20,100 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,500 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Collections and Curating Practices programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- A substantial guided research placement offered to small groups of MSc by Research students in partnership with Edinburgh\x92s flagship cultural institutions. Working collaboratively you will deliver a project defined in advance by the institution. Though new briefs will be developed each year, activities may involve curating exhibitions, developing public engagement programmes or conducting research into a particular object, collection or archive. As an applied learning opportunity the placement will draw upon and connect with the critical frameworks and key debates examined through the core curriculum. It will enable you to develop relevant skills in areas including project management, communication and effective self-reflection.
- A compulsory core course examining the theories and methods of collecting and curatorship. Delivered by professionals from the sector together with academics drawn from across the University of Edinburgh, this course will enable you to develop a critical understanding of the issues and debates that define the field as well as enhance your knowledge of the practical aspects of curatorship and collections management. The syllabus incorporates intensive workshops focused on practical training in aspects including object handling, storage transportation and accreditation processes.
- Either one independent research essay on a topic chosen in consultation with your supervisor; or two option courses selected from a wide range offered by allied disciplines, including the history of art and design, anthropology, contemporary art theory and practice, architecture and the history of science.
- A final thesis or individual research project, supervised by a specialist in your chosen field.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Upper Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in any area of arts (e.g. fine art, digital arts, art, visual culture), or humanities (e.g. art history, cultural geography, literature, archaeology, cultural studies), or social sciences (e.g. social anthropology, sociology), or history of science, or a related field.
You should also have professional or internship experience in museums, galleries or other cultural organisations. You 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.Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. We may consider late applications if we have places available, but you should contact the relevant Admissions Office for advice first.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 20,100 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,500 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 20,100 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,500 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact The University of Edinburgh directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
University of Edinburgh (Universitas Academica Edinburgensis) is a historic and globally respected public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, founded in 1583, making it one of the...
University Profile- Application Deadline 14 September 2026
- Start Date 2017-09-18
- Language English
- Duration 12 months