This core module explores the relationship between museums (and other cultural organisations) and their audiences. It examines the museum - audience interface using communication studies, cultural and public engagement theory integrated with learning theory. A range of approaches used to study the multifaceted conditions for making meaning in museums are presented. Past and current research studies, which explore different theoretical frameworks through empirical studies, are discussed and put to test by students working in small groups.

This is an evidence-based course which combines theory and practice and covers the following subjects:

Museums and their audiences;
	Learning in museums workshop;
	Theories of learning;
	Communication theories;
	Communication consciousness workshop;
	Museum communication;
	Introduction to visitor studies;
	Evaluation methods;
	Data analysis and interpretation;
	Museum learning research
Module Aims 

This module aims to:

· Foster a broad understanding of the general principles of effective communication with museum visitors - from culturally, socially and linguistically diverse communities - which is based on sound practice, research and theory grounded in the communication, museum studies, cultural studies, learning theory and visitor studies literature

· Encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning through the provision of supportive practical exercises and assessments that enable ethical and responsible contributions for a range of informal learning contexts

· Encourage students to develop self-directed learning strategies that will help them develop their professional, academic and personal knowledge and skills throughout their life

 

Module Objectives 

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

· Assess the impact of wider political agendas and current museum thinking on museums

· Understand how museums and heritage sites can communicate with visitors - from culturally, socially and linguistically diverse communities and across different cultures - through exhibitions, programmes and other activities

· Actively consider various media and interpretive techniques and recognise their usefulness in effective communication with audiences

· Recognise the importance of visitor studies and evaluation in the development of exhibitions and other services

· Discuss the ways in which theories of communication and learning can inform the work with museum media

· Understand the relationship of museums to other cultural, heritage and educational institutions and their place within the educational infrastructure

· Understand the various roles museums play and the impact they have on peoples’ lives

 

Learning outcomes 
On successful completion of this module you should be able to demonstrate:

· A critical awareness of the principles of communication with audiences in informal learning environments

· The development of intellectually satisfying and employable skills which will have a positive effect on communication with audiences in museums and heritage sites across different cultures

· The development of confident and independent thought through exposure to practical situations

· The critical awareness of the ethical issues involved in engaging with diverse communities and the development of sustainable products and services  

Further information is available here https://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/study/graduate-taught/courses/museum-communication-and-audience-engagement