Programme and institute
The Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation (Melbourne University) is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science and the Ian Potter Museum of Art in recognition of the potential for unique interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of cultural materials conservation.

The Centre brings together the broad academic expertise of the two Faculties with existing programs at the Ian Potter Art Conservation Centre, to explore new areas in instrumentation and analysis, policy and programs in the area of the preservation of cultural materials.

The aims of the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation are to: drive cross-disciplinary exchange and collaborations. lead and influence innovative practices within the cultural heritage sector; consolidate the use of the University of Melbourne Art Collection and other cultural collections on campus in teaching programs within the Faculties of Science and Arts; highlight the interconnections between cultural policy, conservation and the role cultural materials plays in the growth of social capital and community identity; increase knowledge of cultural materials conservation principles, methodologies and best-practice standards; contribute to national and international debates, protocols and conventions relevant to cultural materials conservation and the scientific investigation of cultural materials; emphasise an appreciation of cultural diversity, community sensitivities and a changing social context in the scientific and historical paradigms that exist within the cultural heritage and conservation sectors.

A key aim the Centre has is responsibility for the conservation of the University of Melbourne's collections of cultural material provides commercial conservation programs, treatments and advice for individuals and organisations; has a strong research track record and active research programs which include international collaborations; and delivers a range of academic programs including short course and post-graduate award programs. Another key aim of the Centre is to develop postgraduate research opportunities relating to the broader issues of cultural preservation, particularly as these relate to communities and cultures within the Asian-Pacific region.

Curriculum

The program is aimed at students who wish to undertake specialist training in conservation of cultural material for professional qualification purposes. The course does not necessarily lead to higher degree study, however high achieving students may qualify for entry to research higher degrees.

Entry requirements
The prerequisite for entry into the program is an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline area with at least an H2B (70%) level average in relevant subjects. An equivalent of 25 points of university level Chemistry would be considered an advantage.

Students who elect to exit after completing 100 points of the program, including Thesis, may be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma. It is not anticipated that the Postgraduate Diploma would provide students with a professional qualification in conservation. Completion of the course with thesis may provide a pathway to higher degree research programs (MA and PhD) where Thesis is judged to be of sufficient merit.

Holders of an undergraduate degree in cultural materials conservation, including at least 25 points of undergraduate level Chemistry, and a minimum of two years documented professional experience working as a conservator, may receive an exemption from the first 50 - 100 points of study, depending on the nature and extent of their previous professional experience and training.

Applicants who receive an exemption of 100 points will enter the one year program.

Click here for more information about application and requirements.

Language

English

Link

Centre for Cultural Material Conservation, Melbourne

Contact
Marcelle Scot is course coordinator
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it