Heritage and Exhibition Design (2024)

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

Overview

You will develop a portfolio of work that reflects 21st century Heritage & Exhibition Design. Across three trimesters, you will develop key skills in design for visitor experience and a critical knowledge of museum and heritage sites through applied principles of exhibition design, immersive narrative environments and experiential design.

You will be introduced to design for museums, heritage trails and blended interpretation, and learn how to design for provocative, playful and immersive educational experiences through applied and live projects.

You will develop collaborative partnerships within Scotland’s heritage sector to master skills and sensitivity to complex and difficult histories.

Heritage and Exhibition Design (1)

Course details

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh is the perfect location for the MA Heritage & Exhibition Design, with the medieval Old Town’s historic buildings and museums, and the Regency New Town’s world-renowned neo-classical buildings. Beyond Edinburgh, we have access to Scotland’s extensive heritage industry with thousands of historic sites and buildings.

Developing exhibition, interpretation and experiential design skills, you will learn how to plan and create interactive user/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. Our specialist academic teaching team have extensive portfolios of research and professional practice within the exhibition, culture and heritage sector.

Programme Leader, Dr Kirstie Jamieson is a lecturer and researcher in design for heritage experiences. She has consultancy experience in both tangible and intangible heritage experience. Her most recent projects seek a more inclusive, participatory and critical approach to heritage-making.

  • Heritage and Exhibition Design (2)

    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.
  • Heritage and Exhibition Design (3)

    Assessments

    Assessment is through studio modules where practice-based student output is collated as a portfolio presentation.
  • Heritage and Exhibition Design (4)

    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.
  • Heritage and Exhibition Design (5)

    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

  • Entry requirements

  • English language

  • International students

  • Admissions policies

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 circ*mstances 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 ourminimum English language requirementswill 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 ourcountry pagesto 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 applyfor 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 circ*mstances and the course you are studying.We also have a number ofbursaries and scholarshipsavailable to our students.

  • Undergraduate student fees and funding information
  • Postgraduate student fees and funding information
  • International student fees and funding information
Tuition fees
Students from 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £8,300 £8,715
Overseas and EU £17,090 £18,800
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.

Careers

Graduates from this programme can pursue careers in:

  • the heritage and museum sector
  • exhibition design
  • interpretation design

Heritage and Exhibition Design (6)

Heritage and Exhibition Design (2024)

FAQs

What questions are asked in an exhibition design interview? ›

What are the most important aspects for you in your exhibition? How do you choose what to include in your exhibition? Tell us about your best exhibition? What was the main idea of it, which audience did you want to attract and which role objects played?

What are the three principles of exhibition design? ›

They believed that successful exhibitions should be built in answer to three key aspects of design: The characteristics of the exhibit object. The characteristics of the exhibit architecture. The characteristics of the visitors.

What skills do you need to be an exhibit designer? ›

Important Skills for Entry-Level Exhibit Designers

They need to be proficient in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and 3D modeling programs. Understanding the basics of project management and exhibit fabrication techniques is also important, as is the ability to work collaboratively with a team.

What is the purpose of exhibition design? ›

Exhibition Design is focused on the communication of objects, information and ideas in the built environment and their impact on community interaction and audience engagement.

What are the 5 questions of design? ›

The Five W's (Who, What, Why, Where, When) are key questions to answer when writing a design brief in UX to help you define the scope, context, and purpose of the project. It provides a clear understanding of the project goals and objectives, who the design is intended for, and what problem or need it is addressing.

How do you ace a design interview? ›

Graphic designer interview tips
  1. Review graphic design industry terms before your interview. ...
  2. Practice answering common interview questions beforehand. ...
  3. Review your portfolio and focus on major projects. ...
  4. Research the company and prepare questions for the interviewers. ...
  5. Bring several printed copies of your resume.
Nov 28, 2022

What are the 4 basic design rules? ›

Luckily, there are four major design principles that can help guide your ideas. These principles are contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. Understanding the role each can play in the design process can help keep your ideas fresh.

What are the 7 principles of design and explain? ›

The fundamental principles of design are: Emphasis, Balance and Alignment, Contrast, Repetition, Proportion, Movement and White Space. Design differs from art in that it has to have a purpose. Visually, this functionality is interpreted by making sure an image has a center of attention, a point of focus.

What characteristics does an exhibition designer need to do their job? ›

Museum experience and experience with interactive exhibits are highly desirable. In-depth knowledge of exhibit design principles, experience using standard 3D and 2D design software, and a portfolio demonstrating strong design skills. Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

What is the difference between a curator and an exhibition designer? ›

Curators and exhibition designers must work closely together, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the table. The curator provides the narrative and context, while the designer creates the physical space that brings this narrative to life.

What is the job growth for exhibit designer? ›

Career Outlook for Set and Exhibit Designers

The overall job outlook for Set and Exhibit Designer careers has been positive since 2004. Vacancies for this career have increased by 25.60 percent nationwide in that time, with an average growth of 1.60 percent per year.

What are three reasons why exhibition is important? ›

10 Great Reasons to Exhibit at a Trade Show
  • Meet and connect with prospective customers. ...
  • Strengthen your bond with existing customers. ...
  • Learn about new developments in your industry. ...
  • Meet new companies that can help your business. ...
  • Close deals with new customers during the show. ...
  • Strengthen (or establish) your brand.
Feb 2, 2016

What is the meaning of exhibition designer? ›

An exhibition designer is a professional who creates fixtures and display stands for events such as large public exhibitions, conferences, trade shows and temporary displays for businesses, museums, libraries and art galleries.

What is an exhibition concept? ›

Though exhibitions are common events, the concept of an exhibition is quite wide and encompasses many variables. Exhibitions range from an extraordinarily large event such as a World's fair exposition to small one-artist solo shows or a display of just one item.

What is asked in design interview? ›

Here are some examples of in-depth interview questions you can likely expect: What interested you in becoming a systems designer? What is your approach to staying current with new design trends? Can you describe the elements of UX design?

What are the first five things you will consider while planning for the exhibition? ›

When planning a trade show exhibition be sure to:
  • Create measurable goal outcomes from the event.
  • Find out what competitors will be present.
  • Create a visual concept for your exhibition stand.
  • Make sure your branding is unique.
  • Decide which products you want to exhibit.
  • Make sure exhibit staff are familiar with every product.
Apr 15, 2020

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