Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Photographic Materials Conservation)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Photographic Materials Conservation) provides a professional qualification in photographic conservation. The course is the only one of its kind in Australia and the region, combining both the theory and practice of photographic conservation. The program will emphasise the scientific and technical aspects of photographic materials deterioration and conservation and draws on the combined expertise of staff of the Centre and internationally recognised leaders in the field.

• demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of photographic conservation principles, methodologies and best practice standards
• act as informed advocates for cultural material conservation, in particular photographic conservation, and play a leadership role within the sector, actively engaging in critical policy issues
• apply critical and analytical skills and methods, and a cross disciplinary understanding and approach, to the identification and resolution of photographic 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:

• demonstrate a thorough understanding of conservation principles, ethics and methods
• have a high level of knowledge of the history, technology and deterioration processes of photographic material
• are able to accurately identify the causes of conservation problems
• can 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

Total 50 points of subjects

This program will be run as four intensive subjects run over 4 semesters and each worth 12.5 points. Please contact the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation for more details and subject descriptions.

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information in the Student Policy Directory.

Subjects:

• A three year undergraduate degree in cultural material conservation or equivalent with at least an H2B (70%) level average in relevant subjects. An equivalent of 25 points of university level Chemistry is recommended. Students meeting this entry requirement may progress to the Postgraduate Diploma of Arts (Cultural Material Conservation).

OR

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with at least an H2B (70%) level average in relevant subjects. Students meeting this entry requirement, and who have 25 points of university level chemistry or equivalent may progress to the Postgraduate Diploma of Arts (Cultural Material Conservation). For other students the Postgraduate Certificate is an exit award.

Students without an undergraduate degree, but with extensive professional experience in a directly relevant field may apply.

Admission process

Applicants who do not have university level chemistry may wish to consider completing the Chemistry Bridging Course prior to commencing this course.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Depending on meeting course admission requirements, students who complete this course may be eligible for further study in the area via:-

• Postgraduate Diploma (Cultural Materials Conservation)
• Masters By Coursework And Minor Thesis (Cultural Materials Conservation)
• Masters by Research
• PhD