Vox pop | What is the most important thing you got from your postgraduate qualification?

MA in applied English, University of Nottingham, 2023

“My master’s gave me confidence. Tackling everything from Anglo-Saxon place names to the history of books, and the analysis of narrative in texts, I learned what I was capable of. I don’t have a museum studies qualification, but when I returned to study, I elected to pursue my interest in English.

I wanted to expand my horizons and my research and analysis skills. I wrote a dissertation examining the affective impact of performance in museums through a theatre studies lens. The momentum I gained from this new perspective was fundamental in career choices I made shortly after I graduated last year aged 41.” 

MA in archaeological heritage management, University of York, 2002-03

“My postgraduate degree focused on the application of theory to real-life practice – from understanding planning legislation and how it protects the historic environment to managing data and the politics affecting whose stories are told. Discussions to explore complicated issues with lecturers and peers were invaluable.

However, the most important element was the work experience placements. I made professional contacts I still have today, and was able to test what area of the sector I wanted to work in, gaining confidence that a career was going to become reality.”

MS in museology/museum study, University of Glasgow, 2017-18

“It connected me to people with the same ambitions to work in the sector, creating an immediate network. The course was closely integrated with the university museum and local museums, which helped me to gain practical experience through volunteering.

Before doing the course, I was not linked into the sector and had struggled even to get volunteering roles. So doing the postgraduate course helped me to navigate a career in museums. Having fellow students, lecturers and museum professionals there to support and guide me while I applied for museum jobs was invaluable.”

MA in public history and heritage, University of Derby, 2018-19

“I started my master’s with uncertain yet firm aspirations for a career in the heritage sector. I expected to learn about collections, interpretation and audience development among other things – which I certainly did.

What I didn’t expect was to meet such a wide range of people from different backgrounds who, ultimately, gave me the confidence to pursue my interests and to think outside the box of what a career in heritage could be. I didn’t know what ‘heritage consultancy’ was before my master’s, but now I’m four years into a happy career doing just that.”

MA in museum education, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, 2013-14

“The most important thing I got out of my postgraduate course was a great variety of real-world experiences and a vast network of professionals in the field. During my graduate work, I was able to work on projects with various institutions (Academy of Natural Sciences, Science History Institute, Christ Church Preservation Trust, and the African American Museum Philadelphia).

The internship and assistantship I completed as part of my MA gave the experience that I needed to go out into the working world. I was able to gain experiences in exhibition design, museum education and collections management. These are all facets of the job I have today.”

MA in museum and gallery studies, University of St Andrews, 2016-17

“Doing a master’s in museum and gallery studies confirmed that I was interested in not only the academic nature of a curatorial role, but also the creative and museological aspects of being a curator. Building a firm foundation in theoretical approaches to creating displays has been essential to my career.

I was fortunate to be part of a hands-on course that required students to curate an exhibition, which helped me gain practical work experience. Without this experience, I would have struggled in understanding the methods required to work in a curatorial role in a large institution.”

Postgraduate degree in community curation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 2021

“While earning my master’s at Johns Hopkins University, I studied under Candace Matelic, a community engagement consultant.

Her class revolutionised my thinking and understanding of community curation. Since then, I have stayed on top of community curation best practices, and implement what I learn through my profession as a curator, volunteer and, recently, through creating the Lamasco Microgallery – a grassroots initiative that exhibits global artists in a space that fosters inclusion and removes institutional barriers.

We host receptions and partner with local organisations for programming to engage with the community.”

MA museum studies, University of Leicester, 2011-12

“The most important things I got from my master’s degree were the variety of activities, and combining practical experience with museum theory. This incorporated trips and visits to museums and heritage sites, guest speakers and one-off events, as well as access to researchers working in the department and wider sector.

Meeting and befriending students from around the world, and learning about their perspectives and approaches to museums and heritage, was a privilege. It provided a unique insight into their understanding and view of the UK’s museum practice, and its influence on other countries.”

Postgraduate degree in conservation of urban and architectural heritage, Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development, Addis Ababa University, 2015-17

“Climate change, conflict, pollution and a historical lack of care mean that heritage buildings, structures and objects can suffer preservation problems. To preserve Ethiopia’s rich heritage, my work uses the knowledge and abilities gained from site experiences to provide the best tools, knowledge, skills and enabling environment possible.

My role as a conservation architect is to act as a mediator between the contractors, consultants, clients and the community, which makes my work diverse and interesting. I have worked in conservation projects at Golgotha and Michael churches in Lalibela, and am currently working on Debre Tsion, a 14th-century church carved from stone.”

MA in heritage studies, Nottingham Trent University, 1999

“My course gave me a broad grounding in museum basics and theory, tempered with a flexibility and an understanding of how practicalities matter. It was more vocational in nature than the alternatives and was what I wanted at the time, having worked in front-of-house and volunteered extensively.

The course’s interpretation section, in particular, was top notch and has stayed with me. I was also left with a professionalism – more of a state of mind or attitude, I suppose – that has served me well when working in the cultural sector in good times and bad.”

MA in museum education, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, 2009-10

“My master’s gave me a professional-level understanding and a deep appreciation of museum operations from the bottom to the top.

Exposure to all aspects of organisational needs – including membership and development, graphic design and exhibitions, marketing, education, volunteer recruitment and even site operations – has enabled me to work cross-functionally and to successfully collaborate with external partners.

Furthermore, I gained a rich understanding of audience perspectives that defines my work to this day, especially as it relates to accessibility and community engagement.”