The cultural sector is changing. Museums, libraries and archives and other organisations in the sector are increasingly expected to attract new audiences, open new revenue streams, be an agent in economic growth and develop new ways of interacting with audiences. Our innovative Foundation Degree in Cultural Services has been developed as a direct response to demands from employers for a work-based, university level course that meets the needs of this rapidly changing sector. The Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and employers in the sector have been central to the development and the delivery of the course.

Through a blend of academic and work-based learning you will:

• Develop key transferable skills including communications, marketing, project management, leadership
• Develop key skills for the cultural sector, including research, collections, learning and audience development
• Share best practice, network and develop links with other organisations in museums, libraries and archives.

As an experienced practitioner your new skills and knowledge will contribute to your personal development and career progression, whilst at the same time increasing the added value to your employer.

Additional course information

The course is intended for people already working in museums, libraries and archives.
Current students include:

• Library Assistants
• Information Officers
• Archive Assistants
• Museum Support Officers
• Outreach Workers
• Volunteers

Core modules

The modules will enable you to explore key themes in the cultural sector, including:

In addition to these key themes, you can identify areas of special interest and explore these in greater depth through a Special Project.

Work-based learning
This course has been designed to support learning in the workplace, enabling you to apply learning directly to your role and minimising your time away from work.
Delivery is through a blend of one-day workshops and e-learning, fully supported by expert tutors. This approach gives you the flexibility to fit your studies around your work and other commitments.

Each module is delivered online by a subject tutor. Learning materials, in the form of handouts, theory papers, slides, exercises and references are all available online. You can study at your own pace, and read, download and revisit these study resources over the duration of the module.

You will need daily access to a computer and Internet facilities to undertake the degree. Broadband is not an essential requirement, although it does make downloading and direct access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) more effective and user-friendly.

Assessment

You will be assessed in a range of ways including: portfolios and e-portfolios; visual and oral presentations; group work, online postings and exercises; peer and self-assessment; personal reflective journals; commentaries, reports, case studies and projects; and exhibitions. In all aspects you will receive feedback from tutors on your progress.

Facilities

You will have access to Anglia Ruskin University's extensive digital library. This means that you can download all the learning materials you need, enabling you to study whenever and wherever suits you. You will also be able to visit our on-site libraries in Cambridge and Chelmsford.

Visits are arranged to museums, libraries and archives, giving you the opportunity to gain first hand experience of the work of other organisations, speak to practitioners and share ideas with your tutor and fellow students. Visits so far have included Norwich Millennium Library, the Hertfordshire Archive and Local Services and the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.

What our students say:

"It's so great to be in a group of supportive and positive people who are looking forwards to where we can take 'cultural services' in the future."

"I have begun to gain an understanding of how we are affected by local and national agendas and how we are implementing the changes they recommend providing a richer more diverse service."

Links with industry and professional recognition

Developed with industry experts for museums, libraries and archives.

The Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and employers in the sector have been central to the development and the delivery of the course.

Work placements

As a Foundation degree, all modules contain elements that are either work related or work based or both, including two modules of work-based learning.

Associated careers

As an experienced practitioner your new skills and knowledge will contribute to your personal development and career progression, whilst at the same time increasing the added value to your employer.

What employers say:

"The Foundation Degree in Cultural Services has delivered real benefits to our organisation. The team has gained new skills, ideas, practical know-how and the confidence to apply these on the job. We also have access to an incredibly diverse pool of knowledge and expertise and are kept up to date with key developments in the sector. Together this opens up exciting possibilities for us to work in new ways and to interact with new audiences."

Judy Faraday, Partnership Archivist, John Lewis Partnership

Entry requirements:

You will be assessed on an individual basis by interview. Most important is that you demonstrate potential to study at Higher Education level. In general you would need the following qualifications: an appropriate Level 3 Cultural Sector qualification and/or prior experience in the cultural sector. GCSE(s) Required: Level 2 English qualification such as GCSE grade C or above or Level 2 Adult Literacy Award.