Making a museum

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
LIBR 5003
Course ID icon
Course ID
202238
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
12
Course owner
Course owner
School of Humanities
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Cherrie De Leiuen
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Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

What is a museum? This course explores contemporary museum practice within global, national and local frameworks. It will chart the history and future of museums through a broad historical survey of the evolution of the museum, alongside a critical analysis of museum theory and curatorial practice. Using the South Australian Museum as key case study, students will have the unique opportunity to directly engage with the staff and collections of one of Australia's oldest and largest collecting institutions. This course blends history, theory, politics, and practical hands-on experience to ensure students gain a thorough understanding of museum practice today.

Course learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of contemporary museum theory and curatorial practice.
  • Identify and analyse relevant scholarship on current museology.
  • Understand the nature of modern collections, their purpose and curation, in the context of contemporary museum theory and practice.
  • Show an understanding of a range of intercultural issues in the area of modern Australian museum collections.
  • Show proficiency in the use of a range of contemporary technologies to conduct research, communicate results and communicate with others.

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 23869
Section
Section SE01
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 20
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
23 Feb - 13 Apr Monday 1:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Engin and Maths Sciences, 212
4 May - 1 Jun Monday 1:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Engin and Maths Sciences, 212

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed MUSEUM7001 Making a Museum at the University of Adelaide

Fee calculator

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Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.