International Student Projects Program:
Museums and Collections Award 2018

University of Birmingham, University of Melbourne and the University of Lund

Guidelines for Applicants

Background

Students from the University of Birmingham and its partnersthe University of Melbourne and the University of Lund are invited to participate in a new international exchange program. Up to three successful candidates from the University of Birmingham will work for one monthon museum and collectionsprojects, each hosted by one of the partner universities.

The project undertakenwill have set objectives to be completed during the one-month placement. The student will also be exposed to other facets of the cultural collections, through activities such as attendance at meetings, workshops or spending the day with other museums and collections staff from across the university, including curators, collection managers, archivists and conservators in order to get a more comprehensive picture of what their work entails. This broadening experiencewill also enhance the student’s understanding of the different issues currently facing university collections.

The projects may include (or be a combination of):

  • Conservation/preservation
  • Significance assessment
  • Documentation and cataloguing
  • Research
  • Interpretation
  • Exhibition development
  • As well as the assigned project and associated tasks, the student may include in their placement a period of self-directed study that engages with an aspect of the host institution’s collections that is of particular interest to them. The student will need to include this area of interest on the application form and it will be negotiated with the host institution.

You can learn more about the award and read reports and blogs from previous recipients on the UoB intranet page

For more information on the museums and collections at each University see:

For details on the Universitas 21 (U21) network see

Aims

The primary aims of the Program are:

  • To enrich the student’s studies by providing access to collections, expertise and resources in another environment.
  • To strengthen the student’s academic and professional skills through international collaboration and research.
  • To enhance the student’s skills and broaden their study experience through gaining an insight into other university collections and museums, a chance to presenttheir work externally and network internationally.
  • To facilitate collaboration, networking and partnerships between the museums and cultural collections across U21 institutions.
  • To raise the profile of the museums and collections in the U21 network.

Nature of the Award and Eligibility

You should note that:

  • This award is open to College of Arts and Law students that include both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
  • The University of Birmingham International Office and the College of Arts and Law are jointly funding these awards to contribute to travel costs and accommodation; £3,000 for Melbourne, £2,000 for Lund. Accommodation will be sourced and booked provisionally for the student. Details are available on request.
  • Two students from Birmingham and one student from each of the partner institutions will participate in the Program (the Exchanges will not necessarily happen concurrently).
  • Students will apply for the International Museums and Collections Award overall. Although they may state their preferred host, this will be offered after the interview process as successful candidates will be matched with the most relevant site according to their suitability and interests.

Application Procedure

Applicants should:

  • Outline the nature of your currentstudies and a brief synopsis of any areas of research interest.
  • Indicate the main reasons for wanting to undertake an Exchange to Melbourne/Lund.
  • Express how this will be advantageous to you.
  • Be aware that the timing of your visit will be determined by the host university’s academic year, which is different from that of your own university. For the Birmingham studentsthe placementswilltake place May - August2018 (exact dates tbc and will depend upon successful student’s timetable).
  • Provide a statement of support from an academic supervisor. This should include discussion of the personal qualities and academic standing of the student; and the student’s capacity to act in an ambassadorial role on behalf of the University.

A panel of staff fromyour ownuniversity will consider all applications. If short-listed, you will be required to attend an interview on Tuesday March 20th.

The Offer of the Award

Deadline for applications is noon on Friday February 23rd 2018.

The successful applicant will be contacted with the following information:

  • The exact total of funding accompanying the award.
  • How the award will be paid (normally paid directly into your personal account).
  • Details of the project you will be working on
  • The time frame for you to complete your exchange

If you accept the award you will be expected to:

  • Confirm acceptance in writing
  • Notify the International Relations Office as soon as travel dates are confirmed.
  • Notify your supervisor and U21 destination contacts as soon as possible.
  • Be responsible for your own itinerary. Book travel yourself, including passport and visa if required.
  • Act as an (informal) ambassador for your own university during your visit. You may be called upon to undertake minor additional duties as a representative of your University and in the spirit of Universitas 21 cooperation.

Following your visit you will be expected to:

  • Write a brief report (approximately 500 words).
  • Give a short presentation to inform academic and collections staff and students.
  • Allow details of your visit to be published in relevant forums to promote the International Student Exchange Program to future students and the University and wider communities.

If you have any further queries or require further clarification please contact the relevant person at your home university:

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Matt Clulee

Universitas 21 Project Officer

The University of Birmingham

Tel: +44(0)121 414 5323

Email:

Clare Mullett

University Curator

The University of Birmingham

Tel: +44(0)121 414 6750

Fax: +44(0)121 414 2225

Email:

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Helen Arnoldi
Student Projects Co-ordinator, Cultural Collections
University of Melbourne
Tel:+61 38344 3103

Email:

International Student Projects Program:
Museums and Collections Award 2018

University of Birmingham, University of Melbourne and University of Lund

Application form

Completed applications should be submitted by noon Friday February 23rd 2018to:

Matt Clulee, Universitas 21 Project Officer –

Please attach a copy of your current curriculum vitae.

Personal details

Full Name:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Study Details

Degree program in which you are enrolled:

Are you registered full time or part time?

Current year of study:

If you want to undertake the placement to fulfil a course requirement e.g. an internship subject, please list the relevantsubject:

Briefly outline your interest in the collections and museums of the University of Birmingham and/or the two partner institutions.

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