London and its Museums

Overview

Academic Lead: TBC

Syllabus: SUM504G London and its Museums

Through visits to ten of London’s most important institutions, this module will examine the development of how institutions curate culture from Renaissance ‘cabinets of curiosities’ to the modern ‘white cube’ gallery space. The module will equip students with the historical, theoretical, and practical knowledge necessary for studying culture through institutional collections. The class will analyse the techniques and practices museums use to collect, organise, and display their objects; we will consider the messages these institutions send through their architecture, patronage, and methods of display; and we will delve into some of the most important issues affecting cultural institutions today like decolonisation, repatriation, and social impact. Aside from the introductory class, the module will take place off campus, with seminar groups visiting a different institution in each meeting.

Course content is subject to change.

Course aims

• To introduce students to London’s museum collections.
• To present a critical overview of the key theories, approaches, and debates relevant to museums, their collections, and their displays.
• To provide opportunities for students to apply and examine these theories, approaches, and debates during class sessions in a variety of museum spaces.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through lectures whilst viewing the collections you are visiting, with 5 campus taught seminars.

Fees

Additional costs

All reading material will be provided online, so it is not necessary to purchase any books. 

You will be required to pay your travel costs to and from any field trips.

For course and housing fees visit our finance webpage

Entry requirements

How to apply

Have a question? Get in touch - one of the team will be happy to help!

Applications close 26 May 2025