Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Cultural Material Conservation)

The postgraduate diploma allows students to undertake a research project in Cultural Material Conservation. Students of this program will gain considerable knowledge in an area of cultural material conservation and engage in critical assessment of the major theoretical or practical tenets. The program provides a pathway to higher degree research for students who have not completed a four year undergraduate degree with research component in Cultural Material Conservation. The Post Graduate Diploma will be available as an exit award for the Masters program.

Students who complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Cultural Material Conservation) should:

• develop an in-depth knowledge of theories and methodologies in cultural material conservation;
• gain an understanding of the role of cultural material in the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of individuals, communities and nations;
• be able to access, appreciate and contribute to national and international debates, protocols and conventions relevant to cultural material conservation;
• be able to act as 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;
• be able to apply critical and analytical skills and methods, and a cross disciplinary understanding and approach, to the identification and resolution of conservation issues;
• be able to competently and independently develop, communicate and apply conservation methodologies that are scientifically and technically sound, ethical, and consistent with cultural contexts and community needs;
• develop a strong sense of professional and ethical responsibility for cultural heritage and an awareness of the moral and legal responsibilities of professional practice.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in this area of specialisation requires:

• Thesis subject (37.5 points)
• Five elective subjects (62.5 points)

Total 100 points

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.

Thesis Subject

37.5 points

Note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

Elective Subjects

5 elective subjects (62.5 points)

Note: Alternative elective subjects may be chosen depending on the students field of study and existing knowledge. Students must gain the approval of the program coordinator for their choice of electives.

The minimum entry requirements are:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average equivalent to H2B (70%).

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.

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 this course may be eligible for entry into:-

• Master of Cultural Material Conservation
• Masters by Research
• PhD

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