Museums and Collections

Graduate Diploma
Master of Arts

Further information and how to apply | National Museum of Australia Scholarship

In 2004, the Faculty of Arts introduced a new specialisation in Museums and Collections, sponsored jointly by the University and the National Museum of Australia. Themes covered include the evolution of museums, their role in contemporary society, the messages they convey, the ways they represent different cultures, their relationship with their visitors, their management, and the challenges they face. The new courses complement the University's strengths in other areas including Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, Film Studies, History and Visual Arts.

Why Museums and Collections?

Why do museums and collections matter? What makes an object an icon? How are museums and galleries managed? How do they represent and serve communities? What do curators, designers and conservators do? Who visits museums, and why? Should museums and galleries have attitude? Should they challenge and entertain?

These are just a few of the many questions you'll encounter when studying Museums and Collections at the ANU.

What's on offer?

Museums and Collections students can undertake a Graduate Diploma or Master by coursework, or a research degree.

The coursework Graduate Diploma explores the evolution of museums, their role in contemporary society, the messages they convey, their relationship with their visitors, their management, and the challenges they face. The Graduate Diploma and the Masters degree are integrated, so that students who achieve an average grade of distinction or higher in the Graduate Diploma may transfer to the Masters degree.

Students with appropriate qualifications can also enrol for the research degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These programs require submission of a thesis, but may also include a major professional project conducted in association with a cultural institution.

Graduate Diploma - Museums and Collections

Masters - Museums and Collections

Why ANU?

What better location for studying Museums and Collections? The Australian National University enjoys close links with several national institutions,including the National Gallery, the National Library, the National Archives, the Australian War Memorial, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum. The National Museum is a joint sponsor of this specialisation.

These links ensure that the program:

• has ready access to major national collections;
• complements academic excellence with a strong professional emphasis;
• remains at the forefront of current research and issues confronting galleries and museums.

Internships and professional programs

Students enrolled in the Museums and Collections program have the opportunity to learn on the job. Graduate Diploma students may undertake a 12 unit internship, which counts towards their degree and offers an excellent way to gain work experience.

The Museums and Collections Internship courses are offered in Semesters 1 and 2, and summer and winter sessions. The two courses may be taken over two semesters, or more intensively in one or two teaching periods.

The total time and overall demands of the internship are directly comparable in each case.

The candidates work closely with staff in the institution as well as with our internship convenor. Normally Internships are not available in the first semester of a student's enrolment in the program: prospective candidates should contact the program convenor.

Masters students in Museums and Collections have the opportunity to undertake a professional development project in one of several partner institutions in and outside Canberra.

Career opportunities

Courses in Museums and Collections have a strong career orientation, opening many possible doors. The program offers sound training for employment in museums, galleries and other cultural institutions. With a strong emphasis on critical analysis, research, problem solving and communicating with audiences in diverse ways, the courses also provide valuable training for future managers in the arts, heritage and collections sectors and more broadly across the public service and private enterprise.

Who can apply?

The Graduate Diploma and Master of Arts specialising in Museums and Collections are designed for students who have completed a program of undergraduate studies, frequently not in this discipline, and wish to receive graduate qualifications in this area. Applicants must hold or expect to hold a Bachelors degree or equivalent in any field. Special admission may be available for some students on the basis of practical experience or a demonstrated contribution to scholarship in a relevant field of study. Status may be granted for previous study at graduate level.

Further information and how to apply

For further information about the Museums and Collections specialisation, contact:
Dr Kylie Message
Telephone: +61 2 6125 5429
Email: kylie.message@anu.edu.au

Museums and Collections Graduate Program overview and entry requirements

Summary of courses:
Graduate Diploma - Museums and Collections

Masters - Museums and Collections

Postgrad Application Guidelines / Apply through UAC

Information on Course Fees

International Office

National Museum of Australia Scholarship

Each year the National Museum of Australia provides funding for students enrolled in the graduate program in Museums and Collections – the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Museums and Collections), and the Master of Arts (Museums and Collections).

Scholarships are available to full time or part time students, and cover the cost of course fees for the year in which the scholarship is awarded.

Indigenous Australians are particularly encouraged to apply.

Scholarship applications are due on 31 January 2008

Scholarship application form (PDF 34Kb)
Terms and conditions of award (PDF 58Kb)