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University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen , Scotland ,United Kingdom

Museum Studies PhD

A PhD in Museum Studies allows students to embrace their interests in museums and galleries, as well as in heritage and collections. Museum Studies is an interdisciplinary field and students at Aberdeen can draw as on the expertise of staff from a wide range of disciplines including Anthropology, Education, Philosophy, and Politics, as well as on the internationally important collections of the University Museums.

The PhD in Museum Studies is a research degree that is available as a campus-based or distance learning option. It requires the candidate to make an original and significant contribution to the discipline of Museum Studies. Holding a Masters degree is normally a qualification for entry and applicants will ideally have some professional experience of working in museums.

A student’s programme of work will be based on their own intellectual interests and will be developed in consultation with the student’s supervisors. The final product of the PhD is a thesis; this will be judged by two examiners and the candidate will be subject to an oral examination (the viva).

Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the Programme Director Professor Alison Brown in order to develop an original and feasible research project that can be completed within a typical three year programme of full-time study or six years of part-time study. Applicants with only an undergraduate degree should contact the Programme Director for advice prior to making an application.

Campus Information

Old Aberdeen

The Old Aberdeen campus is the historic heart of the University and combines immaculately preserved buildings with state-of-the-art facilities for learning, research and recreation. The Schools incorporating the Arts and Social Sciences and Physical Sciences are based here.

Intakes

  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

The University Careers and Employability Service aims to inspire and support your career success through collaboration, innovation and professionalism. We provide our students and recent graduates with the advice and information they need for effective career planning and skill development along with opportunities for networking and connecting with employers. 

Explore your options

  • One-to-one support in-person, by phone or online with a Careers Adviser who specialises in your degree subject
  • Information resources for researching options with your degree subject and specific job types

Develop your skills

  • Opportunities for you to participate in programmes, such as the Leadership Academy and Career Mentoring, that will allow you to develop skills that employers value
  • Online professional skills courses

Connect with opportunities

  • Employer-led events, including workshops, presentations and fairs
  • Support with finding work experience and graduate opportunities

PSW Opportunity

2 Years Post Study Work Visa

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Postgraduate: Requirements will vary dependant on recognition of University and scoring system used. As a guide, a score of between 60-80% is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of between 50-69% is considered comparable to a UK 2.2, depending on the ranking of the institution.

Please note that in many cases applicants will not need to submit IELTS scores if they have achieved 80% or above in HSC Yr XII or if they have a letter from their former university demonstrating that their degree was taught in English.

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

  • Course Type: Full Time
  • Course Level: Doctoral Degree/PhD
  • Duration: 03 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee: 51000 GBP
    Annual Cost of Living: 9207 GBP
    Application Fee: N/A
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