Skip to main content

Museum and Heritage Studies

Coursework

The Master of Museum and Heritage Studies draws together museum studies and heritage studies.

It examines current and historical practice to interrogate how objects and heritage are managed, conserved and made accessible through the exploration of collections, cultural processes and communication and engagement strategies. It explores how the public engage with museums and heritage through commemoration and memorialisation, sites of trauma, exhibitions, public programs, digital experiences and culturally driven economic and urban development strategies around the world. Professional placements are a vital part of the master’s degree and graduate diploma. They offer sector-based experience working under a supervisor in a host organisation on a specific project.

Completion of the Master of Museum and Heritage Studies would normally qualify a student for a career in the cultural sector, with opportunities in museum and heritage institutions as well as allied fields of policy, management, administration and consultancy.

Completion of the Master of Museum and Heritage Studies with an overall average mark of 80 percent or above and an average mark of 80 percent or above for the dissertation would normally qualify a graduate to apply for entry to an MPhil or PhD and for consideration for a postgraduate scholarship.

Awards and requirements

Please refer to the course resolutions in this handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different coursework award courses.

Master of Museum and Heritage Studies

Candidates for the Master of Museum and Heritage Studies must complete 72 credit points including:

  • a minimum of 24 credit points of core units of study
  • a minimum of 18 credit points of selective units of study
  • a maximum of 24 credit points of elective units of study
  • a minimum of 6 credit points of capstone units of study

Graduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies

Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies must complete 48 credit points including:

  • a minimum of 12 credit points of core units of study
  • a minimum of 18 credit points of selective units of study
  • a maximum of 18 credit points of elective units of study

Graduate Certificate in Museum and Heritage Studies

Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Museum and Heritage Studies must complete 24 credit points including:

  • a minimum of 6 credit points of core units of study
  • a minimum of 6 credit points of selective units of study
  • a maximum of 12 credit points of elective units of study

Reduced volume of learning (RVL)

Candidates for the Master program who have completed previous study in a relevant discipline may be eligible for a reduction in the requirements in accordance with the table below.

Level of prior learning Full-time duration Credit points to complete
AQF Level 7 eg. a bachelor's degree in the Humanities, Social Sciences or Law 1.5 years 72
Relevant professional experience equivalent to a Graduate Certificate 1 year 48
AQF Level 8 eg. Honours in the Humanities, Social Sciences or Law 1 year 48

Contacts and further information

For contact details please see these websites: