Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 5th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
This course will equip you with a contextual understanding of core historical and theoretical developments in museum and heritage studies. You will learn the frameworks for managing collections and sites and develop a practical understanding of the modes of interpretation used in the museum and heritage sector.
Undertake object and site research, significance assessment, archival research and exhibition development and contribute to heritage studies and conservation management plans. Discover how meaning is constructed in museums and at heritage sites through material objects, cultural practices, events and performances. Understand how the public engages with museums and heritage, including sites of trauma, commemoration and memorialisation.
Why study with us?
Access the wealth of resources offered by the University museum collections and their curatorial staff. Sydney has strong academic and professional ties with major institutions in Australia, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Australian Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, the Powerhouse Museum and Sydney Living Museums.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies requires:
You can progress from the Graduate Diploma to Masters in the same subject area, after successful completion of the shorter course.
At the University of Sydney, you have the option of completing an internship as part of your degree. Placements are project based and allow you to work under a supervisor in a host organisation. Our programs support placements and require academic work that allows for the development of a clear sense of the relationship between theory and practice.
This unique course will offer graduates opportunities to pursue a career in museum education, public programs administration, collection management, heritage site interpretation, community organisations, protected area management agencies, Indigenous land councils, and across the cultural sector in policy and planning.
Employers value our graduates because they demonstrate personal and intellectual autonomy, abide by strong professional and ethical values and are able to engage with current debates about the place of humanities in public life.
