Master of Museum and Heritage Studies

Develop a deep understanding of the core historical and theoretical developments in museum and heritage studies as well as knowledge of current practice and debates.Learn the frameworks for managing collections and sites, and develop a practical understanding of the modes of interpretation adopted in the museum and heritage sector.

Gain object and site research techniques, and learn how to conduct significance assessment, collection management and archival research and display, as well as contribute to heritage studies and conservation management plans.Discover how meaning is constructed in museums and at heritage sites through material objects, cultural practices, exhibits, education and public programs.

Understand how the public engages and values museums and heritage, including sites of trauma, commemoration and memorialisation.Professional placements are a vital part of the master’s degree and graduate diploma, offering you authentic sector-based experience.

Placements are project based and allow you to work under a supervisor in a host organisation.Commonwealth Supported PlacesCommonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students.

This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA).

CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.

Admission requirement

Entry in the 1 year or 1.5 year degree program is determined by the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) criteria below:

Admission to candidature for the Master of Museum and Heritage Studies (1.5 years full-time) requires:

• a bachelor's degree with a major in one of Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, Classics and Ancient History, Cultural Geography, Cultural Studies, Education, English, Gender Studies, History, Indigenous Studies or another major with an equivalent skills and knowledge base; and a minimum credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification.

Admission to candidature for the Master of Museum & Heritage Studies (1 year full-time) requires:

• completion of the requirements for the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification; or
• an Honours degree in a relevant discipline; or
• relevant professional work experience and a bachelor's degree with a minimum credit (65%) average or an equivalent qualification.

If you do not meet the requirements listed above for direct entry to the Master’s degree, you may be able to enter via a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in the same subject area and upgrade to the Master’s after successful completion of the shorter course.

What you'll study