This course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the major theoretical, methodological and professional themes at the forefront of contemporary museum studies. It will equip you with the practical and theoretical experience needed to become a creative and effective museum and gallery professional or to further advance your career in the sector.

The course is designed to be flexible, so you can choose when to study. It offers carefully designed teaching material and reading which offer flexibility and allow you to fit your study around other commitments. These materials are delivered through online resources in the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard. This includes recorded lectures, international case studies of museum practice, guided readings, group discussions and self-led activities to support your learning.

Course description

The programme follows the same curriculum as the University of Leicester's standard Museum Studies by distance learning but is delivered in partnership with Hong Kong University and designed for those based in or near Hong Kong. 

Over the course you will explore areas such as:

• The social role of museums and art galleries
• Activist practice in museums and galleries
• Collections care and management
• Exhibitions strategies
• Museum design
• Museum ethics and interpretation 

How do assessments work?

You will have one assignment per module (2,500 word essay or equivalent). We aim for a range of assignment types, including essays, project work, reports, exhibition proposals and consultancy briefs, to ensure you get a range of skills required for museum careers.

To complete the Postgraduate Diploma, you will take four core modules, followed by four option modules, giving you the opportunity to delve into your particular interests and to develop your expertise in the field of your choice. 

The module runs consecutively, over 8 weeks, with 6 weeks of taught materials and 2 weeks to prepare and submit your assignment. There is a short break between modules.

There is one live seminar in each of the core modules, and these are recorded if you can’t attend.

Core modules

• The Museum and Change
• Designing for Creative Lives
• Objects and Collections: Care, Management and Curation
• Engaging Audiences

Option modules

• Lifelong Learning
• Museums and the Natural Environment
• Heritage
• Digital
• Museums and Contemporary Issues
• Practice

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Non-Local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance

This is an exempted course under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead.

This is an exempted course under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead.

HK$200 (Non-refundable)

• £17,055 (subject to review)

• Either a first class or second class degree, which can be in any subject area
• Or be able to demonstrate equivalent skills and aptitudes through the possession of a professional or vocational qualification and/or the accrual of relevant work experiences. Relevant experience can come from a wide spectrum of work or voluntary environments but clear evidence of this experience must be provided

You should be able to demonstrate a commitment to, or strong interest in, museums, galleries, or other kinds of heritage or cultural organisation.

If you do not have a degree, you will be asked complete an assessment, such as an essay, so as to demonstrate your readiness for postgraduate study. Clear guidance will be provided on assessment criteria. You may also be required to attend an interview.

English Language Requirements

If your first language is not English, you may be required to provide evidence of your English language ability. You can demonstrate your English language ability in any one of these ways:

• Minimum score of 6.5 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Academic Level, valid for 2 years; OR
• Level 4 or above in HKDSE English; OR
• Grade C or above in HKAL Use of English; OR
• Other equivalent English Language qualifications deemed acceptable by the University

If you do not meet the requirements in one of the ways listed above, you could take the online Leicester English Test (LET) which costs £40. You will be provided with details about the LET if you receive a conditional offer of a place on your chosen course.

Application Form Application form for University of Leicester

Please bring your application form with both the original supporting documents¹ and photocopies of the qualifications stated in the application to one of our enrolment counters for verification.

1. Application form;
2. Certificates and complete transcripts of undergraduate and postgraduate studies (if applicable);
3. A written personal statement (1,000 words maximum);²
4. Latest CV;
5. Two reference letters;³
6. Hong Kong identity card;
7. Proof of English proficiency evidence (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent);
8. A recent colour photo;⁴
9. A crossed cheque for application fee of HK$200 made payable to ‘HKU SPACE’)

Alternatively, you can send your application by post to:

HKU SPACE PG Admission Team (Culture, Arts and Design)
19/F, Island East Campus, 
494 King's Road, North Point, Hong Kong

Please do not send any original graduation certificates to HKU SPACE in any circumstances. Short-listed applicants invited for document verification will be notified by email.

¹ If your supporting documents are not in English, we require officially translated versions as well as copies in the original language. 

² Your personal statement should focus on the following areas: 

• Your reasons for applying for the course
• How your knowledge and experience links to the course content

• How the course relates to your longer term plans

³ If you have been in full-time or part-time education within the past five years, at least one referee should be your academic tutor; if not, you may give two employment references.

⁴ Digital photos must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall; at least 50KB and no more than 10MB. Printed photos must measure 45mm high by 35mm wide.