Curating

About this course

The course examines contemporary curatorial practice, including how museums and galleries acquire, interpret and display objects, and how exhibitions communicate ideas to audiences. Teaching combines classroom learning with visits to museums and galleries across London, alongside critical discussion of challenges facing the museum sector. Participants complete an exhibition project involving introductory wall texts, a selection of key themes and objects, and a detailed room plan. The course also includes opportunities to learn alongside current Birkbeck students from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

What you'll learn

• Explain key roles and responsibilities within contemporary curatorial practice
• Develop interpretive approaches that use objects to communicate stories and ideas
• Write short introductory wall texts for an exhibition
• Select themes and objects for an exhibition proposal
• Produce a detailed exhibition room plan

Is this course right for you?

This postgraduate-level introductory course is intended for people considering a career in curating and for those already working in the sector who want to specialise. It combines classroom participation, critical reflection, practical exhibition planning and visits to museums and galleries.

• Relevant to learners pursuing curatorial work in the museum sector
• May suit existing sector professionals seeking a specialism or CPD
• Includes learning alongside current undergraduate and postgraduate students