Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Heritage Materials Conservation

The Graduate Certificate in Heritage Materials Conservation is a postgraduate qualification that equips students with the skills and knowledge required to conserve cultural heritage materials. This hands-on degree is designed for individuals who are passionate about art and heritage and wish to pursue a career in the cultural heritage and museum sector.

About this Course

This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to identify materials, understand their condition, and develop conservation and management plans. Through practical field-based workshops and behind-the-scenes tours of heritage sites and collections, students will learn to investigate the condition and significance of heritage items. They will also develop conservation and management plans for materials and carry out laboratory and on-site treatment techniques to preserve and restore them.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course may pursue careers in the following areas:

• Conservator
• Head of Heritage
• Heritage Consultant
• Curator
• Gallery Manager
• Indigenous Heritage Officer
• Collections Manager
• Heritage Manager
• Engineering Heritage Consultant
• Historic Buildings Conservation Officer
• Culture and Heritage Officer
• Heritage Site Manager
• Heritage and Cultural Policy Adviser

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree (AQF level 7) or equivalent as approved by the University Admissions.

Course Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Heritage Materials Conservation requires the completion of 12 credit points, including:

• Heritage Materials and Their Environments G (11160)
• The Cultural Significance of Patina G (11161)
• Heritage Materials - Structure and Integrity G (11162)
• Heritage Materials - Aesthetics and Stability G (11163)

Typical Study Pattern

The typical study pattern for this course is part-time, with students completing two units per semester over a period of one year.

Course Information

• Course duration: Standard 1 year part-time, with a maximum of 3 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.
• Learning outcomes:
  • Apply values-based methodologies to identify stakeholders and values in conservation planning.
  • Determine and apply appropriate preservation, conservation, and restoration techniques to conserve and enhance heritage materials.
  • Integrate physical data and cultural understandings to develop sustainable conservation treatment and management plans for heritage.
  • Use observation and analysis to accurately identify heritage materials, their condition, and their responses to environmental conditions.

Awards

The official abbreviation for this award is GradCertHeritMatConserv.

Inherent Requirements

In addition to course requirements, students must meet the inherent requirements of the course, which can be found on the University's website.

Credit Arrangements

There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.

Prior Work and Study Recognition

The University of Canberra recognizes the value of prior work and study experience. Students may be eligible for course credit or direct entry into a postgraduate degree based on their previous experience.