Museums of London: Curating the City

Summer School modules are designed to be intensive, intellectually stimulating short courses. They are taught by King’s academics in academic disciplines where King's has expertise. Classes are very international with students from all around the globe learning together.

Each module is 150 study hours comprising intensive teaching, independent study and group work and is examined to university standards. Comparable to an in-semester 15-credit King’s undergraduate module and therefore typically awarded 3-4 US credits or 7.5 ECTS, many summer students ask their home institution to award them external credit for their King's summer module to use towards their degree programme when they return home.

As a global metropolis, London offers a plethora of museums that document, interpret and shape the life of citizens in this city and beyond. This module looks at the social, economic, and political history of London by closely examining the various collections held and the varied types of work carried out by different museums of London. What can these collections—ranging from art to architecture and fashion to media—reveal about life in London? What sorts of stories or histories do these collections tell? What sorts of stories or histories do they leave untold? Who or what is responsible for choosing these collections, for telling these stories to the general public? What is the impact of such historical decisions on London’s present-day reputation as a centre of creativity and cultural exchange? And how do modern museums engage the communities that they are embedded in?

Students will gain a deeper awareness of the connection between material culture and historical narrative, especially as it relates to the history and present of London. They will expand their understanding of the connection between cultural production and industries, especially as it relates to the role of museums in communicating London to a diverse public.

By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to a Level 4 module and in particular will be able to demonstrate the following subject specific skills:

• An understanding of how history research methodologies and public-sector business practices/policies are applied to museum operations.
• Identify and elaborate on key events, moments, locations, and characters in the history of London and how these are represented in the museums.
• An awareness of the connection between material culture/material culture studies and historical narrative, especially as it relates to London.
• A solid understanding of the connection between cultural production and industries, especially as it relates to the role of museums in communicating history, culture and the concept of London to a diverse public.

The King's College London Undergraduate Summer School is open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.

You should ensure that you are eligible to apply before you submit your application by checking our academic and English language entry criteria.

85% Essay and 15% Presentation

Taught on-campus and around London 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday