Museum Studies University of British Columbia

Overview

The Museum Studies programme at the University of British Columbia offers an immersive exploration into the complex relationship between cultural institutions and the communities they represent. Students engage deeply with the history of collecting while debating contemporary issues such as ownership and the repatriation of global collections.

Housed within the Faculty of Arts, this specialisation allows students to tailor their academic journey through the Department of Anthropology. The curriculum balances theoretical debates on human society with practical training in museum principles, ensuring graduates understand both the social dimensions and technical requirements of the field.

Participants have the unique opportunity to utilise the world-class facilities of the Museum of Anthropology for research and practical learning.

Why Museum Studies at the University of British Columbia?

Studying at this institution provides access to the renowned Museum of Anthropology, where students can observe the public interpretation of anthropological materials firsthand. The programme is distinguished by its focus on Visual Anthropology and its commitment to addressing the evolving techniques of artefact documentation and multi-media display.

The university's location on the Vancouver campus offers a vibrant cultural backdrop for exploring global indigenous histories and contemporary expressive arts. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary environment that connects archaeology, art history, and social sciences, supported by innovative research and expert teaching staff.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 49548 per year
• National fee: CAD 6079 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Museums and Museology
• Museums, Heritage and Memory
• Art, Aesthetics and Anthropology
• Museum Practice and Curatorship
• Conservation of Organic Materials
• Conservation of Inorganic Materials
• Ethnographic Film Methods
• Anthropology of Media
• Global Indigenous Histories

Careers with Museum Studies

Graduates are equipped for professional roles within the global heritage and cultural sectors. Potential career paths include positions in curatorship, museum management, and the conservation of cultural materials. The skills gained in documentation and public presentation are also highly applicable to roles in archival research, heritage policy, and visual media production.