As a gallery professional, I have found the Nottingham Trent University museum and heritage management MA invaluable for breaking down barriers between myself and objects, contrary to the fears that Jonathan Conlin expresses.
As I come from a fine art background and have had little contact with traditional history teaching, this course has given me the tools that are needed to understand objects and apply visual art theory to museum practice, and vice versa.
Furthermore, I have found that collections care training in some galleries to be lacking.
Procedures are passed between staff who have learned from their predecessors who, long ago, received minimal pointers instead of formal training.
In the current economic climate, it seems unlikely that these galleries will invest in proper training, thereby continuing to risk damage to objects and perpetuating a lack of confidence among staff.
Fortunately, the Nottingham Trent University MA has a strong basis in practical experience. In conjunction with volunteering throughout the course and an industry placement, my classmates and I hope that this will give us the edge that is needed to gain employment in our competitive field.
An increase in the qualifications available may mean that there are more barriers to entrants, but as existing staff take on more roles, there will have less time to train people on the job.
My MA has prepared me for a better career with a thorough understanding of the challenges facing museums, galleries and heritage sites.
Contemporary museums are so much more than simply objects. The reasons for the dedication of my classmates range from the love of objects through to a passion for people, technology or design and an interest in strategic business practice.
These aspects will be the foundation of the future innovation that museums, galleries and heritage sites need to thrive.
Charlotte Pratley, gallery assistant, Lakeside Arts Centre
As I come from a fine art background and have had little contact with traditional history teaching, this course has given me the tools that are needed to understand objects and apply visual art theory to museum practice, and vice versa.
Furthermore, I have found that collections care training in some galleries to be lacking.
Procedures are passed between staff who have learned from their predecessors who, long ago, received minimal pointers instead of formal training.
In the current economic climate, it seems unlikely that these galleries will invest in proper training, thereby continuing to risk damage to objects and perpetuating a lack of confidence among staff.
Fortunately, the Nottingham Trent University MA has a strong basis in practical experience. In conjunction with volunteering throughout the course and an industry placement, my classmates and I hope that this will give us the edge that is needed to gain employment in our competitive field.
An increase in the qualifications available may mean that there are more barriers to entrants, but as existing staff take on more roles, there will have less time to train people on the job.
My MA has prepared me for a better career with a thorough understanding of the challenges facing museums, galleries and heritage sites.
Contemporary museums are so much more than simply objects. The reasons for the dedication of my classmates range from the love of objects through to a passion for people, technology or design and an interest in strategic business practice.
These aspects will be the foundation of the future innovation that museums, galleries and heritage sites need to thrive.
Charlotte Pratley, gallery assistant, Lakeside Arts Centre
