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Master of Museum Studies

The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.

The Museum Studies course encompasses the study of museums, museology, and the development of the knowledge and skills necessary for museum practice and research. The course provides a uniquely enriching experience; investigating the theory and history of collecting material things, their display and interpretation, intangible cultural heritage and the changing nature of the museum as a concept and as an organisation.

As such, our Museum Studies degree offers you an academic and vocational learning program sourced from a wide range of disciplinary fields. These include history, art history, archaeology, anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, architecture, natural history and environmental studies.

The program has extensive professional and research links, and contributes critically to changes in museology and museums. These professional networks also mean that the program is able to place a consistently high percentage of its graduates into museums and museum-related employment.

The Master of Museum Studies and Graduate Diploma in Museum Studies are also offered in block mode intensive sessions at the University of Hong Kong in partnership with the HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE ). The program is open to citizens of Hong Kong and does not require study in Sydney.

Units of study

For an up-to-date list of units of study for this degree, please refer to the online postgraduate handbook.

Full units of study list

Embedded courses

Further course information

Study plan

Candidates in Sydney or Hong Kong electing to undertake a dissertation (12cp) must prepare a research proposal and discuss their topic with the academic coordinator prior to enrolling. Approval is subject to the department's discretion and the availability of an appropriate academic supervisor. The dissertation is normally undertaken over two semesters and comprises research and writing toward a project of approximately 12,000 words.
Sydney study plan
The MMuseumStud requires the satisfactory completion of 8 units of study (48 credit points) (cp) including 3 core units of study (18cp) MUSM7033 The Museum Context, MUSM7004 Internship/Placement Part 1, and MUSM7005 Internship/Placement Part 2. The remaining units of study are chosen from the approved list of electives, or a relevant or related subject area, such as art curatorship or art history, subject to the approval of the academic coordinator. The internship comprises a placement totalling 40 days, normally completed over two semesters (20 days per semester) in a museum or art gallery in Australia or abroad.
Hong Kong study plan
The MMuseumStud requires the satisfactory completion of 8 units of study (48 credit points) (cp) including 2 core units of study (12cp) MUSM7033 The Museum Context and MUSM7027 Internship/Placement. The remaining units of study are chosen from the approved list of electives offered in block (intensive) mode, subject to availability and the final approval of the academic coordinator. The internship comprises a placement totalling 20 days in a museum or art gallery in Hong Kong.

Progression rules

Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first 4 units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the dissertation units of study. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.

Capstone experience

Eligible candidates for the degree of Master of Museum Studies undertaken in Sydney complete two compulsory internship units of study with a value of 12 credit points. Each placement is equivalent to 20 days of full-time work and is supervised by museum or gallery professionals. Candidates undertake project work focusing on an aspect of museology and submit a written report equivalent to 4000-5000 words and make a presentation to the class.

Eligible candidates for the degree of Master of Museum Studies undertaken in Hong Kong complete a compulsory internship unit of study with a value of 6 credit points. The placement is equivalent to 20 days of full-time work and is supervised by museum or gallery professionals. Candidates undertake project work focusing on an aspect of museology and submit a written report equivalent to 4000-5000 words and make a presentation to the class.

Eligible candidates undertaking the degree of Master of Musem Studies also have the option of completing a dissertation on an approved topic over two units of study, normally undertaken over two semesters, with a value of 12 credit points, under the supervision of an academic staff member.

Course outcomes and further study

Graduate opportunities

The program has extensive professional and research links and contributes critically to changes in museology and museums. Professional links also mean that the program places a consistently high percentage of its graduates in museums and museum-related employment.

Further study

Graduates of the Master of Museum Studies who have completed a dissertation with a meritorious grade are eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in their chosen subject area.

How to apply

Domestic students

How to apply

How to apply - DOMESTIC
Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa, must apply through UAC.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

Please note: not all courses are offered in the July semester intake.

Admission requirements

Admission to candidature for the Master of Museum Studies requires:

(a) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, including a major in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification; or

(b) completion of the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Museum Studies with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply:
(i) directly to the University via the International Office. Further information on applications and English language requirements and support services for international students is available on the International Office website; or

(ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).

Hong Kong program
The Master of Museum Studies and Graduate Diploma in Museum Studies may be undertaken in block mode intensive sessions at the University of Hong Kong in partnership with the HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE). The course is open to citizens of Hong Kong and does not require study in Sydney. The Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies is not offered in Hong Kong. Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty. On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of October. On-time applications for the July Semester close on the last working day in April.

Email your expression of interest to: emily.chin@hkuspace.hku.hk

Admission requirements

Admission to candidature for the Master of Museum Studies requires:

(a) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, including a major in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification; or

(b) completion of the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Museum Studies with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.

Fee disclaimer

Domestic students

*(1)Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml

*(2)Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2012 tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2012 tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_coursework or http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_research

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.