The inaugural class of students at UCL Qatar, a partnership between University College London (UCL), Qatar Foundation and Qatar Museums Authority offering post-graduate degree programmes in Archaeology, Conservation, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, has completed its first year of classroom studies. This month sees them heading off to gain practical experience in four-week work placements at home or abroad in some of the world’s top museums and art institutions.
The UK destinations accepting the UCL Qatar master’s degree students include London’s top museums – the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, the Imperial War Museum and the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, as well as Orleans House Gallery, Richmond and Barker Langham, London, a leading global cultural consultancy of cultural heritage projects in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Manchester Museum in Manchester, northwest UK, is also taking in UCL Qatar students.
In Europe, the International Design Museum in Munich, southern Germany, is receiving post-graduates from UCL Qatar.
For those wanting first-hand experience of archaeological digs, Ancient Merv archaeological excavation in Merv, Turkmenistan, and Ock Pop Tok in Laos, South East Asia, are welcoming UCL Qatar’s first year intake as well.
Students who have opted to remain in Qatar are undertaking local placements that offer a range of opportunities in the rapidly expanding heritage sector. Local destinations include Msheireb Museums, Sports Museum, Culture House (QF), and the offices of Qatar Museums Authority.
Brett Kershaw, UCL Qatar’s Marketing and Student Recruitment Manager, said: “The work placements are designed to enhance students’ practical skills, and they underline the scope and scale of the work in which our students can get involved. There is a valuable dynamic in travelling to work in some of the world’s top museums and galleries — a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
He added: “We are continuing to accept applications to our degree programmes for our next available intake in late-August 2013. Our application deadline is May 31.”The Peninsula
