Master of Cultural Materials 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 program 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 November and April, or equivalent.

Students who complete the Master of Cultural Material Conservation should:

• 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;

• acquire advanced skills in researching and writing in cultural materials conservation;

• apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems that arise in a professional and community based context to develop an integrated understanding of cultural materials conservation theory and practice.

200 point program

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

The Master of Cultural Material Conservation 200 point program requires:

First 100 points:

• eight compulsory subjects (100 points)

Second 100 points:

• three compulsory subjects (75 points)
• two elective subjects (25 points)

150 point program

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / up to 3 years part-time

The Master of Cultural Material Conservation 150 point program requires:

First 50 points:

• four core subjects (50 points)

Second 100 points:

• three compulsory subjects (75 points)
• two elective subjects (25 points)

100 point program

Duration: 1 year full-time / up to 2 years part-time.

The Master of Cultural Material Conservation 100 point program requires:

• three compulsory subjects (75 points)
• two elective subjects (25 points)

Please note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

Capstone Requirement:

All students are required to complete the Capstone Requirement for the program (at least 25 points). Students must complete the following capstone option -

Capstone Stream 1: Co-requisites: Conservation Intensive (CUMC90003) (12.5 points) and Materials and Techniques of Artefacts (CUMC90004) (12.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to acquire advanced technical and theoretical grounding in an area of specialisation, and to apply this knowledge to solve problems that arise in a professional context, in order to develop an integrated understanding of cultural materials conservation theory and practice

Capstone Stream 2: Co-requisites: Conservation Internship (CUMC90006) (12.5 points) and Conservation Intensive (CUMC90003) (12.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to acquire theoretical grounding in an area of specialisation, and to apply this knowledge to solve practical problems that arise in a professional, community based context, in order to develop an integrated understanding of cultural materials conservation theory and practice.

Capstone Stream 3: Conservation Assessment and Treatment 2 (CUMC90005) (25 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to apply knowledge and skill in cultural materials conservation to sustained practical projects within an area of specialisation

Capstone Stream 4: Minor Thesis Conservation (CUMC90007) (37.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills to address a research question; Pathway to the PhD

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.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• an undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent.
Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and
• relevance of previous studies.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Admission and Selection into Course Policy.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 6.5.



Applicants with the following may be awarded up to 100 points of credit:
• an honours degree in a cognate discipline, with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline, with at least H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent, and at least two years of documented, relevant work experience.

Applicants with the following may be awarded up to 50 points of credit:
• an undergraduate degree, in a cognate discipline, with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent, and at least one year of documented, relevant work experience.

Applicants seeking credit must provide the following documentation in support of their application for the recognition of prior professional experience:
• brief curriculum vitae, detailing work experience;
• contact details of two referees;
• a covering letter outlining the applicants professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.

In some cases, an interview and/or two reference letters from employers/managers detailing the period of employment and areas of responsibility, and/or evidence of written work or reports undertaken during the period of employment may be requested.

Completion of study equivalent to 25 points of university level chemistry would be considered an advantage.

Portfolios or evidence of colour vision acuity or manual dexterity are not required for selection, but the Selection Committee may require applicants to supply information about their interest, knowledge and experience in conservation, their preferred area of conservation specialisation (objects, paper, paintings), a curriculum vitae, and a statement advising whether or not they believe they have normal colour vision and manual dexterity. Applicants with limited vision or dexterity should discuss with the course coordinator what assistance may be available to help them meet course requirements in their preferred area of conservation specialisation and to practice in the field.

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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