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.
Graduate testimonies

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 Joost Coté | Dr Michele Langfield | Dr Colin Long | Mr Jonathan Sweet | Dr Linda Young

Sponsor of Museums Australia National conference - Newcastle, May 2009

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.