Master of Cultural Material Conservation
Coursework and Minor Thesis
Handbook entry: MC-CULMC Master of Cultural Material Conservation
Introduction
This Masters program provides students with a professional qualification in cultural material conservation. It is the only one of its kind in Australia and the region, combining both Theory and practice of cultural material conservation. The course emphasises the philosophical, intellectual and scientific aspects of cultural material conservation, and draws on the combined expertise of staff of the Centre, the Arts and Science Faculties, and the Ian Potter Museum of Art.
The program is aimed at students who wish to undertake specialist training in conservation of cultural material for professional qualification purposes. The course does not necessarily lead to higher degree study, however high achieving students may qualify for entry to research higher degrees.
Entry Requirements
The prerequisite for entry into the program is an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline area with at least an H2B (70%) level average in relevant subjects. An equivalent of 25 points of university level Chemistry would be considered an advantage.
Students who elect to exit after completing 100 points of the program, including Thesis, may be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma. It is not anticipated that the Postgraduate Diploma would provide students with a professional qualification in conservation. Completion of the course with thesis may provide a pathway to higher degree research programs (MA and PhD) where Thesis is judged to be of sufficient merit.
Holders of an undergraduate degree in cultural materials conservation, including at least 25 points of undergraduate level Chemistry, and a minimum of two years documented professional experience working as a conservator, may receive an exemption from the first 50 - 100 points of study, depending on the nature and extent of their previous professional experience and training.
Applicants who receive an exemption of 100 points will enter the one year program.
Applicants seeking exemption on these grounds must provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV) for assessment with their application.
Applicants require an overall English language score of not less that IELTS 7.0, with a minimum score on each band of not less than 6.0 (See the University's Graduate English language requirements).
A high degree of manual dexterity and accurate colour vision is also required.
The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.
Qualifications for entry must have been acquired within the last ten years preceding the year for which entry is sought.
For the 200 point program:- Completion of an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline area with at least an H2B (70%) level average in relevant subjects. Completion of study equivalent to 25 points of university level chemistry would be considered an advantage.
For the 150 point program:
- Completion of a three year undergraduate degree in cultural material conservation or equivalent with at least a H2B (70%) level average in relevant subjects, at least two years of full-time documented professional work experience as a conservator or equivalent. Completion of study equivalent to 25 points of university level chemistry would be considered an advantage.
For the 100 point program:
- Completion of a three year undergraduate degree in cultural material conservation or equivalent with at least a H2B (70%) average in relevant subjects, at least five years of documented professional work experience as a conservator. Completion of study equivalent to 25 points of university level chemistry would be considered an advantage.
Applicants are required to show evidence of manual dexterity either through either a folio presentation or by reference and will be required to submit the results of a colour vision test at the time of application. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.
Course Information
Course Co-ordinator: Marcelle Scott
Course Objectives:
Students who complete the Master of Cultural Material Conservation will:
- develop a sound knowledge and understanding of cultural material conservation principles, methodologies and best practice standards;
- gain an understanding of the role of cultural material in the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of individuals, communities and nations;
- be equipped to contribute to national and international debates, protocols and conventions relevant to cultural material conservation;
- be informed advocates for cultural material conservation and play a leadership role within the sector, actively engaging in critical policy issues;
- develop an appreciation of cultural diversity, community sensitivities and a changing social context to the scientific and historical paradigms that exist within the cultural heritage and conservation sectors;
- develop critical and analytical skills and methods, and a cross disciplinary understanding and approach, to the identification and resolution of conservation issues.
In addition to the above, graduates will attain specific professional skills so that when solving conservation problems or applying preventive conservation measures they will:
- be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of conservation principles, ethics and methods;
- have a high level of knowledge of the history, technology and deterioration processes of the material within their major specialisation;
- be able to accurately identify the causes of conservation problems;
- competently and independently develop, communicate and apply conservation methodologies that are scientifically and technically sound, ethical, and consistent with cultural contexts and community needs;
- have a strongly developed sense of professional and ethical responsibility for cultural heritage and an awareness of the moral and legal responsibilities of professional practice.
Course Intake: February (semester one) and July (semester two)
Applications Close: 1 November (February intake) and 30 May (July intake). Late applications may be accepted, subject to the availability of places.
Course Structure
Please see the Handbook entry for details of the course structure.
Handbook entry: MC-CULMC Master of Cultural Material Conservation
The course is fee paying. Information about Course Fees is available from the Future Students website.
FEE HELP is a loans scheme for Australian students enrolled in postgraduate coursework programs applies, although you would need to investigate this with regard to your own personal circumstances.
Applications
Applications to study at The University Of Melbourne are handled centrally by the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Please see the How to Apply for a Graduate Research Program web page on their website.
General information for future students can be found on the Faculty of Arts Future Students web page.
Information for international students can be found on the Faculty of Arts Information About Arts for International Students web page.