Heritage and Exhibition Design MA



Explore the development of public spaces, civic amenities and heritage sites through applied principles of exhibition and display.

Overview

The MA Heritage and Exhibition Design will develop your understanding of core aspects of heritage, exhibition, and museum design, as well as site-specific interpretive installations in Scotland’s vibrant and expansive heritage sector.  All students will contribute to a public exhibition at the degree show through the module Art Direction.

You will study Creative Portfolio (Part 1) which will help you to determine your final submission, you have the option of producing a practice based or written output. As well as exploring methods for interpreting heritage for a contemporary audience,  you will learn how to create visitor experiences and installations in key historic areas. With a strong sense of integrity, you will develop an understanding of and sensitivity to the authenticity and preservation of historic sites for visitors.

 
Malcom Innes looking at exhibition pieces to assemble.

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

1 years

Start date:

Sep

Course details

The City of Edinburgh is the perfect location for the MA Heritage and Exhibition Design. Edinburgh is a UNESCO world heritage site, and arguably one of the most picturesque cities in the UK. Its world famous medieval Old Town has hundreds of historic sites, buildings, and monuments. The Regency New Town boasts some of the most import neo-classical buildings in the world. Beyond Edinburgh, we have access to Scotland’s extensive heritage industry with thousands of historic sites and buildings. 

Your studies are based in collaborative studios where you will learn with and from peers across the MA Design courses.  You will learn the principles of critically examining and questioning established and dominant heritage narratives.  Alongside more traditional approaches to heritage, you will learn to highlight and communicate the heritage of marginalised and underrepresented communities and people. 

Staff who teach on the programme are actively involved in research and practice.  The tutors on your module work, develop theory and practically explore the areas they teach.

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    How you’ll be taught

     The programme uses practice-based learning, workshops, seminars, lectures, guest speakers and supported on-line learning in which core knowledge and understanding of design are developed and assessed in tandem with their specific application to your own individual projects.
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    Assessments

     Assessment is through studio modules where practice-based student output is collated as a portfolio presentation.
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    Work placement

     The programme offers two modules (Live Project in trimester 1, Research Projects and Entrepreneurship in trimesters 2) where you have the option of working with external partners, which may include some work-based learning.
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    Facilities

     All design programmes in the School of Arts & Creative Industries are delivered in studio learning environments.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Heritage and Exhibition Design?

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above in any discipline.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient professional work experience within the industry.

Can I get admission into Heritage and Exhibition based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £8,715 £9,160
Overseas and EU £18,800 £19,750
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers

What can you do with a MA Heritage and Exhibition Design course?

Through a blend of theory, practice, and hands-on projects, you'll learn to create immersive and engaging exhibition experiences that bring history and heritage to life for contemporary audiences.  This studio based  programme is designed for aspiring designers and curators, you will enter the fascinating world of heritage and exhibition design and explore the intersection of history, culture, and creativity. Graduates from this programme can pursue careers in:  

  • The heritage and museum sector 
  • Heritage conservation 
  • Exhibition design 
  • Interpretation design 
  • Museum curation 
  • Critical heritage consultancy 

You'll delve into a wide range of topics, from museum curation and interpretation to exhibition design and visitor experience. You will learn explore and consider hidden and alternative heritage.  Through site visits, workshops, and collaborative projects with cultural institutions, you'll gain practical experience conceptualizing, designing, and installing heritage experiences that inspire, educate, and provoke thought. 

You'll emerge as a skilled and visionary heritage and exhibition designer, equipped to work in museums, galleries, cultural centres, and design studios around the world. Whether you aspire to curate exhibitions, design museum installations, or pursue a career in heritage conservation, the  MA in Heritage and Exhibition Design will provide you with the knowledge and skills, you need to succeed.

What does an Exhibition Designer do?

As an Exhibition Designer, you will immerse yourself in the world of experiential storytelling, where your creativity and spatial awareness will breathe life into spaces, making them immersive and unforgettable. Blending architecture, storytelling, and multimedia, you'll craft exhibitions that not only engage but also educate and inspire audiences.

In this role, your responsibilities will range from conceptualizing exhibition themes and layouts to designing interactive installations and selecting materials. Collaborating with curators, architects, and multimedia specialists, you'll weave together narratives that guide visitors on journeys of discovery and exploration.

Drawing on your expertise in spatial design, lighting, and multimedia integration, you'll create environments that tantalize the senses and evoke emotion. You will be creating experiences that captivate and inspire while designing museum exhibits, trade show displays, or corporate installations. Your passion for storytelling and your knack for translating concepts into physical spaces will make you a sought-after creative partner.

Black and white exhibition photography.