GD5625 Active Collections: Development, Preservation and Access

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Enrolment is limited to online PGT programmes.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Miss E R M Lawrence

Miss E R M Lawrence
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Miss Eilidh Lawrence, Dr Gearoid Mac a' Ghobhainn, Ms Laura Brown, Miss Matilde Zoppi and Miss Erica Kotze

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will tackle both the theory and practice of Collections Management in Museums. It will explore the framework of principles that form the basis for how museum staff steward and manage the collections in their care – including collections development, information, access, care and conservation. It will examine the policies and procedures that influence the ways in which museums manage their collections and explore the ways in which they can be galvanised to help organisations achieve their strategic goals. Through video content, set readings and asynchronous activities, students will consider how Museum staff carefully balance collections care with access to the collection for users – underlining the importance of having an active and accessible collection. The module will expose students to the concept of ‘active’ museum collections, challenging preconceptions of long-term preservation being an unchallenged priority for collections teams.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

7 x 1 hour lecture, 2 x 1 hour practical classes and 2 x 1 hour one-to-one supervision

Scheduled learning hours

11

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

132

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand the theoretical and practical considerations of managing museum collections
  • Comprehend and evaluate the legal and ethical frameworks for working with museum collections
  • Debate the positive and negative implications of ‘active’ museum collections
  • Practically undertake museum work with collections, including object handling and packing
  • Communicate ideas effectively by written, oral, and visual means