Master of Cultural Material Conservation

This Masters program provides students with a professional qualification in cultural material conservation and it combines both the theory and practice of cultural material conservation. The program will emphasise the philosophical, intellectual, technical and scientific aspects of cultural material conservation, and will draw 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.

Mid-year entry to the course is available on a part time basis only. International students should therefore apply for semester 1 entry only.

It is strongly recommended that all commencing students have studied chemistry equivalent to 25 points of first year university or else complete the CCMC bridging course offered in April, or equivalent - contact the course coordinator for more details.

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.

200 point program
Duration: 2 year full-time / up to 4 years part-time

First 100 points:

• 8 core subjects (100 points)

Second 100 points:

• Elective subjects (100 points)

Total 200 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise

150 point program
Duration: 1 & 1/2 years full-time / up to 3 years part-time

First 50 points:

• 4 core subjects

Second 100 points:

• Elective subjects (100 points)

Total 150 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise

100 point program
Duration: 1 years full-time / up to 2 years part-time.

• 2 compulsory subjects (37.5 points)

• 5 elective subjects (62.5 points)

or

• 2 compulsory subjects (37.5 points)

• Minor thesis (37.5 points)

• 2 elective subject (25 points)

Total 100 points - subjects are 12.5 points each unless indicated otherwise indicated

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.

First 100 Points

Core subjects:

Elective subjects

Elective subjects are approved depending on the field of specialisation chosen and on the student's previous study program. Consult with the course coordinator prior to enrolment, to gain information and approval for elective subjects.

Note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

Second 100 Points

Compulsory Subjects:

Elective subjects:

For the 200 point program:

• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects, or equivalent.

For the 150 point program:

• an undergraduate degree in Cultural Materials Conservation with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and at least one year of full time documented relevant work experience, or equivalent.

For the 100 point program:

• an undergraduate degree in Cultural Materials Conservation with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and at least two years of full time documented relevant work experience, or equivalent.

Completion of study equivalent to 25 points of university level chemistry would be considered an advantage.
Applicants may be required to show evidence of manual dexterity either through a folio presentation or by reference and may 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.

Admission process

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/

Students who complete the thesis may be eligible to enter the PhD.

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