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Cultural heritage and museum studies

Discipline

Conserve the past, protect the future. Explore the identification, collection, curation, interpretation, management and politics of the past. Examine objects and collections in museums, cultural landscapes, routes and global cultural heritage.

Explore your study options

More than ever, society wants to better understand the past and create positive change in the present – something you can contribute to with the expertise you'll develop. Whether you want to curate exhibitions, manage a museum or heritage site, safeguard Indigenous cultural heritage, or support the conservation of intangible cultural heritage, you can tailor your postgraduate studies to your interests.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate (further study)

A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.

Research

Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)

Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.

Download our study area guide

Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market

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Choose a cultural heritage and museum studies degree that will get you work ready

Deakin’s courses are shaped by industry with a practical, real-world approach to learning. Prepare to be adaptable throughout your career with a foundational course that kick-starts your journey or a specialist degree in the areas you want to pursue.

Industry-shaped courses

Study with confidence - get the knowledge and skills you'll need to progress your career. Deakin’s cultural heritage and museum studies course advisory board includes members from the Melbourne Museum, National Trust and Heritage Victoria.

Graduate with professional experience

Leverage our industry partnerships – access work placement opportunities and gain valuable experience through work-integrated learning, including internships and field work in Australia and overseas.

Take the next step to a brighter future

Explore our courses in cultural heritage and museum studies and learn about life at Deakin. Get more inspiration for your future career in a major growth sector.

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Top professional roles in cultural heritage and museum studies

Our graduates have secured coveted roles such as collections managers, curators, researchers, heritage officers, and museum and art gallery directors, working across government agencies, community organisations and in private practice. Studying with us means we can help you build your network within the community and industry.

Arts and media professional roles are projected to increase 16.7% by 2033 according to Australian Government employment projections.^

  • 6,600 new jobs for policy and planning managers
  • 4,500 new jobs for research and development managers
  • 2,000 new jobs for archivists, curators and records managers
  • 600 new jobs for gallery, museum and tour guides

Graduate with an employment advantage

Cultural heritage and museum studies at Deakin is the largest and longest-running program of its kind in Australia. Our courses are shaped by industry and taught by world-leading researchers and practising professionals with extensive industry experience.

Cultural heritage and museum studies at Deakin is the largest and the longest running program of its kind in Australia. You'll gain valuable professional experience and be ready for an exciting career.

Dr Virginie Rey

Course Director, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies

World-class teaching experiences

Deakin’s industry-shaped courses and practical, real-world approach to learning will enable you to develop the skills your future employers are looking for and extend your professional network.

Work in the field

Work-integrated learning is featured throughout our masters program, including the Applied Heritage Project unit. You can also choose to complete an internship, where you'll undertake a professional work placement with a host organisation.

Two master degrees

Deakin and the Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) in Germany have partnered to offer an exciting dual award program. Study overseas while gaining two qualifications simultaneously – a Master of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies from Deakin and a Master of World Heritage from BTU.

Latest articles

If you're dreaming of a career in cultural heritage and museum studies, Deakin can help get you there.

  • Five inspiring careers in cultural heritage and museum studies
  • How cultural heritage and museum studies looks forwards by looking back
  • Make your mark with cultural heritage and museum studies

Five inspiring careers in cultural heritage and museum studies

Considering a career in cultural heritage and museum studies? Deakin alumni share how their degree shaped their career made their mark in the industry.

Read more

How cultural heritage and museum studies looks forwards by looking back

Explore how Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies evolve by reflecting on the past, shaping future practices and preserving our rich history at Deakin.

Read more

Make your mark with cultural heritage and museum studies

Fascinated by cultures and societies around the world? Deakin's cultural heritage and museum studies courses could help you pursue a flourishing career.

Read more

Footnotes

^2023 Employment Projections - for the ten years to 2033, Jobs and Skills Australia.

Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.

++Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.

Contact us

Got a question about our cultural heritage and museum studies courses? Our course advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.

Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online

International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online