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M u s e u m s

Introduction to Museum Studies
Distance Learning Program

Distance Learning Program will be under revision for 6-9 months in 2007. A limited number of students may be accepted into the present program if circumstances warrant.

Why a Distance Learning Program?

It is a form of distance education which allows a flexible and convenient system of learning for the student. It provides a pattern of study for those who are unable to attend classes or where instruction is otherwise unavailable. It gives the participant an opportunity to apply the learning in his or her own museum and environment. It is therefore particularly useful in areas of the Commonwealth where educational opportunities are scarce or costly.

Who is the program for?

It will be of interest to those working in museums as paid staff or students enrolled in an appropriate area of study, who are seriously considering a career in the museum field. The course should be considered the basic professional level training for all museum personnel. Applicants must be or become members of the Commonwealth Association of Museums.

What is the course of study?

The program is designed to serve as an introductory course in Museum Studies. It deals with two types of information: the history and philosophy of museums, and the basic procedures involved in museum operation. The course topics are divided into six units of study:

1. Introduction to Museum Studies
2. Organization and Management
3. Collections
4. Conservation
5. Exhibitions
6. Education & Programming

How does the program work?

Each student who registers receives a learning package comprising the course manual, required readings and examinations. Some of the required readings are in the package and some in the set books which accompany the course materials.

A student is allowed one year to complete the course of study and submit all the examinations. An extension of six months may be requested in writing. Active enrollment is calculated from the date which the course learning package is mailed. The student's progress is monitored throughout the program, and a tutor is required for each student. A sponsor is also required as described in the section on enrolling in the program. Duties of the tutor are outlined below and the student may either find a tutor satisfactory to his sponsor or, if requested, the Commonwealth Association of Museums will assign a tutor.

At the end of each unit, there is a multiple choice examination based on material from the lessons in that unit. The total mark of all unit exams is worth 30% of the final mark. The tutor or sponsor will arrange for the unit exams to be taken and on their successful completion, the tutor will be sent the final examination, which is based on material from the entire course, and is essay and short answer format (50% of final mark). A longer essay will also be required on a topic related to the history of museums in the student's country (10%). A project will be selected and completed during the course and will contribute 10% of the final mark. All of these requirements together yield a grade out of 100%.

You will be notified by mail of your final grade results approximately six weeks from the date we receive your final examination for marking. The minimum pass mark is a final grade of 60%. One re-write will be permitted on the final examination. Upon successful completion of the course you will be issued a certificate.

How do you enroll in the program?

There are no formal or minimum educational requirements but the student should have secondary school education or equivalent. Equivalent may mean educational courses not part of the secondary school program but for which formal credit is given or several years experience in museum, library or other cultural field.

The applicant must be currently employed in museum work. With the registration form, a letter must be included from a sponsor or employer, who should be your director or a government official working in the cultural field in your community, and who can attest to your potential as a museum professional and your serious interest. The sponsor of a student should be the educational institution where studying, a museum official or a government official concerned with cultural organizations. If the letter is not from your employer, a second letter should be included stating your employer's support.

Your sponsor or employer may also be your tutor and the letter should state this agreement. If not, another person working in the museum field, willing to undertake those duties and acceptable to your sponsor/employer, should be named.

The Tutor

The tutor's duties include:

1. Talking to the student, helping to resolve problems, and informally encouraging student on a regular basis (at least once a month).
2. Finding a location and arranging for unit exams and final exams to be supervised.
3. Assisting student in preparation for writing the essay on the topic related to the history of museums in the student's country.
4. Assisting the student to select a practical project, preferably for their own museum and in agreement with their museum supervisor. The project should be able to be completed by the student and marked in the period of the course by the tutor, (or museums supervisor) so that the grade can be returned with the final exam.
5. Sending a final report to the Commonwealth Association of Museums about the progress of the student and the program and making any recommendations for improvement.

If a suitable tutor is not known to the student or sponsor you may request the Commonwealth Association to find one for you.

Click Here to View or Print the Registration Form

Return application and other documents to:

COMMONWEALTH ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS
DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM
P.O. Box 30192
Chinook Postal Outlet
Calgary, Alberta
T2H 2V9
Canada

This program of the Commonwealth Association of Museums is supported by The Commonwealth Foundation and each student enrolling is subsidized substantially through a grant to the Commonwealth Association of Museums from the Commonwealth Foundation.

Program developed by the Canadian Museums Association with the support of the Museum Assistance Programs, National Museums of Canada, The Birks Family Foundation and The Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation.

Made available and revised by the Commonwealth Association of Museums with the kind permission of the Canadian Museums Association. Administered by the Commonwealth Association of Museums.