Museology

The follow-up Master’s studies in museology are focused on acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of museology. Unlike the complex orientation of the Bachelor’s study programme, Master’s studies are specialized in the teaching of two key museological sub disciplines: museological exhibition making (theory and practice of exhibition making, museum architecture, museum exhibition criticism, exhibition didactics) and museum pedagogy (theory and practice of museum pedagogy, museum psychology, inclusive museum pedagogy, presentation didactics). The common theoretical and methodological base of the Master’s study programme consists of a series of lectures on general museology (theoretical museology, special museology, museum management, scientific research and museology). The completion of studies provides a complex training for qualified work mainly in leading positions and positions of professional staff in museums and galleries and creates potential for further education in related scientific disciplines.

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• acquiring knowledge in the fields of museum exhibition making and museum pedagogy
• learning the theory, terminology and methodology of museology
• knowing the key principles of museum management
• applying the acquired theoretical knowledge of exhibition making and pedagogy in museum practice
• independent planning and managing of museum activities in the fields of museum exhibition making and museum pedagogy

Students are mainly prepared for the work in memory institutions, which are engaged in protection and presentation of cultural heritage (e.g. museums, heritage institutes). The graduates can also work in departments occupied with protection of cultural heritage in state administration bodies and self-government authorities, various foundations, private museums, galleries, auction houses etc.

Museology studies also include practical training in museums and other cultural-educational institutions, which is supervised by professionals and enables to apply the knowledge acquired in lectures and seminars (e.g. preparation and realisation of a museum exhibition, educational programme and didactic tools, excursion). Individualised practical training (in the extent of maximum 100 hours) at the same time makes the students familiar with real operation of the institution and presents to them a complex spectrum of activities with special accent on the problems of exhibition making and education. Expected is a direct involvement of students in everyday museum practice with particular professional outputs, including the activities intended for the public.

Standard extent of a Master’s thesis is 100 000 characters inclusive of footnotes, front page, contents, list of sources and literature and a summary in English. The students can work with already published texts and data available for a secondary analysis. They should demonstrate their ability to critically approach professional texts, elaborate concepts and theories and find relevant answers to the given question. Expected is an adequate methodological approach to the selected problem, acquisition of new facts or elaboration of original projects and concepts. Preferred are topics from the area of museum exhibition making, museum pedagogy and theoretical museology.

Students who complete the follow-up Master’s study programme (when meeting the conditions of admission) can continue with doctoral studies in scientific disciplines employed in museum institutions (e.g. history, archaeology, ethnology).