Museum Studies

Study Museum Studies at the University of Reading and take your first step towards a career in the heritage sector or as a curator.

Choose the University of Reading

Scored 1st for teaching quality in Archaeology and Forensic Science (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025).
Named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Communicate to an audience through the use of artefacts, develop the skills needed to engage with a number of different museum careers and examine the theories behind museums and their role in society.

We focus on the contemporary theory and practice of museum studies. You will learn to think and research like a museum professional while gaining hands-on experience at our three on-site museums and special collections.

You'll be encouraged to research the environment that artefacts are displayed in, how they are catalogued, and the meanings that they hold for different audiences. You will learn how to design, create and evaluate your own exhibitions.

Study alongside professional curators, conservators, archivists, and learning and engagement specialists on these exciting and individual Museum Studies undergraduate degrees.

Courses

BA Museum Studies and Archaeology

Full Time: 3 Years
BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Professional Placement

Full Time: 4 Years
BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with Study Year Abroad

Full Time: 4 Years
BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with International Foundation Year - September Entry

Full Time: 4 Years
BA Museum Studies and Archaeology with International Foundation Year - January Entry

Full Time: 4 Years
BA Museum and Classical Studies

Full Time: 3 Years

Work with specialists

You will gain hands-on experience working with museum objects alongside professional museum and archive staff employed across the University's Museums and Collections. This service incorporates the Ure Museum of Classical Archaeology, the Museum of English Rural Life, and the Cole Museum of Zoology.