In establishing the programme Expanded Museum Studies, the University
of Applied Arts is instituting a field of study and research that aims to examine, expand and redefine the notion of museum.
A fundamental aspect of the programme is its emphasis on the interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary practical intertwining
of various approaches adopted in the areas of museology, art and cultural studies, conservation, and art-research methodology.
The central focus is on critical analysis of the historical and current models of what museums have been or could be and of
museums seen as contact zones and places where true value can make itself felt – and this in an explicitly broad sense, that
is, in the context of the various forms of practice, the various configurations, the various forms of discourse connected
to these places of contact, and also in the context of the demands that are placed on them. The programme of study is based
on topics of current academic and artistic interest as well as on a society-oriented understanding of art and culture in a
global and cross-cultural perspective, an orientation that is particularly strong at the University of Applied Arts.
The
essential elements comprising the programme of study are: the range of courses offered by the Department for Expanded Museum
Studies, various forms of internal and external cooperation partnerships specifically aligned with the programme structure,
and a Platform for Inter- and Transdisciplinary Exchange, which accompanies the entire course of study and serves as
a transparent space for reflection and action in addition to offering the opportunity to share work in larger contexts. Moreover,
the entire range of courses offered at the University of Applied Arts is put to advantage within the framework of this programme.
The
subjects of study are not thematically limited to the fine or applied arts. On the contrary, the programme of study very much
encourages looking at cultural production and its material/immaterial museum-related infrastructures from multidisciplinary
points of view that also take intersectionality into account. Exploration of the museum as a concrete field of work is aimed
at addressing fundamental questions related to current and historical processes of upheaval in society as a whole. These and
other aspects of inquiry are dealt with within the framework of various forms of individual and collaborative reflection that
are connected with practical, experimental, theoretical and mediating activities.
Ideally, the students should become
actively involved in orienting the programme of study with respect both to subject matter and to methodology as well as in
conceptualising and organizing public events (e.g., within the framework of the Platform that accompanies the programme),
thereby helping to strengthen the programme’s democratic structure.
Target group
This interdisciplinary
master’s programme is geared to graduates of academic bachelor and diploma degree studies with a specialised area of study
that permits a connection with the master's programme or graduates of artistic bachelor and diploma degree studies with a
specialisation that permits a connection with the master's programme (on the condition that the applicant can provide sufficient
evidence of their ability to perform independent academic work).
Graduates' qualification profile
Graduates
are able to work in interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary contexts and to analyse artistic and academic forms of practice,
infrastructures and discourse that are related to museums. They are familiar with the current demands of museum work and are
able to reflect critically and constructively on museums as institutions, with the aim of exploring the notion of museum itself
and giving it new orientation.
On the basis of such reflection, they are able to identify development potential, devise
alternative concepts for specific areas of interest, find new ways to approach and solve problems, and support or initiate
efforts aimed at defining new orientation. This relates in particular to: collection policy; decolonisation and cultural heritage;
forms of artistic practice and discourse; digitalisation; ecology and technological innovation; cultural diversity; accessibility
and engaging with the public.
Graduates have the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to work towards
enabling museums to meet the demands placed on them as vibrant places of inspiration, discussion and production and as (self-)
critical institutions of learning that are both socially relevant and socially engaged.
Graduates are prepared
to carry out work and research in a spirit of scientific inquiry, whether independently or as members of a team, and in compliance
with current professional standards, and also to be able to put ideas into practice. They are familiar with possible areas
of application and also with the process of expanding their own investigative horizons and developing their own strategies
for finding answers. In addition, they are able to combine different kinds of expertise in collaborative work.
Graduates'
professional fields
Numerous fields of work open themselves up to graduates of Expanded Museum Studies in various areas
of professional activity both within the museum framework and in a larger environment of professional activity connected with
museums, as well as in art and cultural institutions and related spaces for discussion and action.
