Master of Arts to address growing interest

Zayed University added to its curricular a Master of Arts in Museum Studies to meet growing interest in Art and a cultural industry in the United Arab Emirates. Created in partnership with The University of St Andrews, United Kingdom, the programme covers museum operation and management, exhibition design, contemporary Western art, Islamic design, and Emirati heritage. Students will learn the fundamental theories of collection management, site management, public programming, and effective communication with visitors to cultural institutions, interpretation, and cultural assets. "The programme provides students with the knowledge and skills to envision, design, develop, implement, and administer cultural projects and exhibitions in accordance with contemporary international standards and best practices," Dr Jane Bristol-Rhys, Associate Professor and Graduate Programme Representative of the College of Arts and Sciences, told Gulf News. The 18-month programme is composed of a core curriculum, practical application of skills and knowledge, and the development of a professional portfolio. The core curriculum will focus on the theory and practice of museums, and related organisations, Islamic art and design, modern and contemporary Western art, Emirati history and cultural heritage. Students will develop their professional portfolio throughout the programme in addition to project work that is course-specific. With regard to employment opportunities, Dr Rhys said: "Graduates will be able to join curatorial staff, work in exhibition design, develop heritage and historical interpretation plans, and mount displays and shows." The format for delivering the programme is designed to minimise time away from work and family while maximising interaction with students and faculty. The in-classroom instruction for each four-week course will be conducted on three successive evenings during the first week of the scheduled module, followed by tutorial sessions, class discussions and project work. Classes will be taught exclusively in English by select faculty members from Zayed University and the partner university. This programme will accept only 30 participants every year. "Fourteen students have already applied. [The] application deadline is August 31, and classes will begin on September 17," she added. Admission will be open to all nationalities. The admission criteria will include a four-year baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher from an accredited university. In addition, applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to manage a challenging, fast-paced programme. Academic merit-based scholarships and financial bursaries will be available. Zayed University awarded over Dh1 million in scholarships to 37 graduate students in various disciplines. Prizes of Dh25,000, Dh35,000 and Dh50,000 are awarded on the basis of academic merit.