Objectives

A master's degree from the Complutense University of Madrid equips the student with advanced academic training. The knowledge, competencies and skills acquired will enable the student to practise professionally in the fields specified in the description of the degree. Throughout the course, the student will be gain first-hand knowledge of museums and monuments through visits to these centres, as well as to exhibitions, galleries, historical and artistic cities, and historical landscapes.

Emphasis will be placed on the museums, monuments and exhibitions in the Community of Madrid and its surroundings. The master's student will receive advanced training on the theoretical and historical aspects of museums.

Particular focus will be placed on the notion of conservation, studying it from a contemporary perspective, without forgetting its more practica

l aspects, such as museum management and administration, assets of artistic and cultural interest, as well as research (inventories,

 catalogues and historical studies) into museum and monument collections.

Students who complete these studies are characterised by their rigour in handling cutting-edge methodologies, terminology and

 sources (documentary, graphic and bibliographic) in this field, while, at the same time, demonstrating sound knowledge ofthe requirements of conservation, management and the circulation of works of art and assets of artistic and cultural interest.

They will become skilled in obtaining, handling and disseminating subject information with advanced content, be able to work individually or as part of a

 team, and act in accordance with the appropriate social ethics and professional code of conduct.

These last two aspects are of crucial importance in the field of museums and historical and artistic heritage; assets must be bequeathed to future generations in an optimal state of conservation, with an understanding and respect for their social value, and the same principles apply to the sale of works of art.

The student must commit to self-learning as an instrument for professional development and responsibility, will have a broad capacity

 for innovation and originality in their proposals and will seek to disseminate their scientific and professional findings.

General, transversal and specific skills that students must acquire during their studies

The basic, general, specific and transversal skills acquired by the students studying this master’s degree course are aimed at preparing them for their professional career.

• Acquire knowledge and methodologies for the study of museums and historical and artistic heritage, with particular emphasis on a general theoretical understanding of museums and heritage, their history, legal foundations and the basic concepts of their management and administration.
• Become familiar with the advanced research and interpretation methodologies commonly used in the field of museum and historical and artistic heritage studies.
• Be able to obtain, select, value and offer a unique critical analysis of information and literature in the field of museum studies and historical and artistic heritage.
• Know how to independently prepare an advanced research project or study in the field of museums and historical and artistic heritage, with limited instructions and guidance.
• Work in a team, taking on both leadership and collaborative tasks, planning work procedures appropriate to a range of circumstances in the field of museums and historical and artistic heritage.

Career opportunities

• Museum curator.
• Curator and manager of historical and/or artistic heritage
• Documentation in cultural institutions: organisation, inventory, cataloguing and handling of various documents.
• Consultancy and Management of cultural activities: cultural foundations, conferences, trips.
• Consultancy and Management of Art Galleries and Art Auction Rooms.
• Media: demand for qualified professionals with excellent knowledge and understanding of the field, capable of giving a voice to issues related to museums and historical and artistic heritage in all its breadth, diversity and complexity.