The PhD in Museum Studies at the University of Aberdeen is a research-focused degree that allows students to delve into the multifaceted world of museums, galleries, heritage, and collections. This interdisciplinary program enables you to draw upon a wide range of expertise from departments such as Anthropology, Education, Philosophy, and Politics, and to engage with the University's own significant collections. The program is designed for individuals with a Master's degree and ideally some professional experience in the museum sector, who wish to make an original and significant contribution to the field through independent research. You will develop a research project in consultation with your supervisors, culminating in a thesis and an oral examination.
The PhD is a research degree where your programme of work is based on your intellectual interests and developed with your supervisors. The final output is a thesis, which is examined by two examiners, followed by an oral examination (viva).
A PhD in Museum Studies equips you for a variety of roles within the museum, gallery, and heritage sectors, as well as for academic careers.
Prospective candidates are strongly advised to contact the Programme Director, Professor Alison Brown, to discuss their research aims and develop an original and feasible research project before making an application. Contacting potential supervisors before applying is also strongly advised.
Fees and funding information are detailed on separate pages via links provided.
Applicants typically need a Master's degree, preferably with evidence of postgraduate training in research methods, and a good honours degree in a related subject. Professional experience in the museum sector is ideal.
The full-time program typically takes 3 years to complete. For part-time students, the program duration is 6 years.
It is highly recommended to contact potential supervisors and the Programme Director (Professor Alison Brown) to discuss your research aims before applying. You will need to develop a detailed research proposal, gather academic transcripts, degree certificates, and two academic references, then submit your application through the University's online portal.
Yes, eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students may automatically receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Details are available on the dedicated scholarship page.
A PhD in Museum Studies prepares you for roles such as Curator, Lecturer, Museum Director, Museum Researcher, and Outreach and Community Engagement Officer within the museum, gallery, heritage, and academic sectors.