150 Point 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 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; and
• 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.

150 point program

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

First 50 points:

• four core subjects (50 points)

Second 100 points:

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

Please note: the minor 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 one capstone option:

Capstone Stream 1: Co-requisites: Conservation Intensive (CUMC90003) (12.5 points) and Conservation Research and OBL (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 and Projects (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.

First 50 Points

Core Subjects

4 core subjects (50 points)

Remaining 100 Points

Compulsory Subjects

3 compulsory subjects (75 points)

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

Elective Subjects

2 elective subjects (25 points)

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