Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies

The Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies courses at Deakin University encourage a holistic approach, aimed at developing skills in protecting and making accessible, the significant elements of cultural heritage. We focus especially on historic places, intangible heritage and museums and their collections.

The courses are designed for Australian and International students wanting to work in the museum and built heritage sectors. As well as offering personal enrichment, graduates obtain a postgraduate qualification that will assist with professional or academic advancement.

Employment opportunities

Our graduates work as practitioners in heritage institutions, government agencies, museums, galleries, private corporations, community organisations, and private practice. Their work may be in fields such as anthropology, archaeology, architecture, art, building, curatorship, education, engineering, environmental and planning law, facilities and asset management, history, museums, resources management, science, or urban and regional planning.
Deakin graduate appointed to Canberra position

Teaching staff

The specialist teaching staff reflects the interdisciplinary nature of heritage practice, and each member has a strong connection with heritage practice both within Australia and abroad. Staff members are also active in researching tangible and intangible dimensions of heritage in Australia and internationally; and, in addition to teaching the coursework programs listed here, they supervise higher degree by research students studying for doctorates.

Professor William Logan | Dr Jonathan Sweet | Dr Linda Young | Ms Kristal Buckley | Dr Steven Cooke

Current practice

The Museum Studies courses are actively connected with current practice in the heritage sector, through:

• Academic Advisory Board: The current committee began its work in 2003.
• Guest lecturers: Guest lecturers in the on-campus environment come from museums of all types: art, history and science.
• Student work experience: Placements that provide a minimum of 10 days practical experience are part of unit AIM717. Students are also encouraged to develop their experience through volunteer postings. Museums and similar organisations with work opportunities for students are invited to identify their project(s) to the Course Coordinator.
• Site visits and field trips: Excursions to relevant locations are part of the on-campus program. Off-campus students are welcome to participate if able to join the group in Melbourne, and providing that the host museum can accommodate the size of the group.

Roslyn Lawry Award

This award recognises excellence in the Graduate Diploma of Museum Studies, and commemorates the life of an outstanding student and graduate, Roslyn Lawry (1962-1987). Recipients of the award receive a substantial book prize, and a certificate. Donations to the award fund are welcome at any time.

Mentoring

Staff may provide the following support to graduates of the Museum Studies course:

• Advice on further professional development
  Assistance with career planning - by phone, email or in person
• JobNEWS
  An occasional service by email for students and graduates of the courses
• References - to assist with job applications Museum studies staff can often act as referee for a graduate.

Contact: jonathan.sweet@deakin.edu.au

Why Choose Deakin University?

Knowledge
Deakin's courses in cultural heritage and museum studies cover the key issues, concepts and knowledge required by professionals working in the area of heritage conservation, access, interpretation and management. Units of study are constantly reviewed to maintain professional relevance, and materials in study guides, online folders and related teaching media are informed by practical experience and the ongoing involvement of staff in cultural heritage research. Units focus on the conflict that frequently occurs between heritage conservation and new development, including tourism, and explore the ways to balance the two processes ensuring both are sustainable.

Flexibility
We know that postgraduate study is a big commitment. Deakin's postgraduate program is genuinely flexible to help you fit your studies in with workplace and personal commitments. This means you have the freedom to study part-time, fulltime, off campus, on campus or online - and to adapt the way you study to suit your changing needs. Regardless of where you live, resources can be posted to off-campus students, or accessed electronically.

Quality
At Deakin we pride ourselves on providing quality postgraduate courses for people working in cultural heritage areas, museums, galleries, heritage sites and related policy areas, as well as cultural tourism. A quality focus is reflected in the high standard of study materials, and in teaching staff who are locally and internationally recognised leaders in their work with UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation), ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), ICOM (International Council of Museums), Heritage Council of Victoria and universities worldwide.
The Deakin library contains one of the foremost collections in the field of cultural heritage and museum studies in Australia. Our library service is among the best in the world, setting a standard for Australian universities.

Networks
As a Deakin postgraduate student, you will become part of a network of researchers, academics, practitioners and alumni. You will have access to Deakin's specialist research centre, the Cultural Heritage Centre for Asia and the Pacific (CHCAP), and can establish long-term contacts with the people who are shaping and influencing all levels of your professional area. CHCAP houses the Australian ICOMOS Secretariat and is an Executive Committee member of the Asian Academy of Heritage Management.

Site visits and international experience
Students in these courses are encouraged to gain practical experience. Relevant opportunities include work placements, in-country study tours, local and international internships. On-campus class groups visit a variety of heritage sites and museums in Melbourne and surrounds, and staff may be able to assist students in gaining placements after graduation.