Why Graduate Certificate in Curatorial and Museum Studies?
Take the first step in your curated career.
Museum curators help shape the way societies understand themselves, transforming artefacts into stories and inspiring audiences to see the world through a different lens.
In this graduate certificate, you’ll explore the richness of human creativity and history. Learn how cultural institutions curate and exhibit collections. Form the foundation for an exciting career in the global cultural and heritage sectors.
Overview
Museums are vibrant spaces that preserve and showcase our collective history. They encourage visitors to explore the stories behind our most important artefacts. Our program provides a unique opportunity to investigate the connection and community of museum practices.
This certificate is part of the only specialist degree suite of its kind in South Australia. It is delivered in cooperation with the South Australian Museum and other leading cultural organisations. You’ll explore the dynamic global cultural and heritage sectors, including complex ethical issues in the field.
Access Adelaide’s world-class cultural institutions and benefit from regular guest lectures. Explore Aboriginal perspectives and learn how to handle cultural artefacts. Expand your horizons among a network of museum and heritage professionals. Graduate career ready in this specialist field, with strong links to industry.
Key features
Delivered in cooperation with the South Australian Museum and other cultural organisations.- Develop expertise in collection management and exhibition design.
- Explore Aboriginal perspectives on cultural preservation and representation in museums.
- Unpack complex issues surrounding the ownership of cultural artefacts.
- Enjoy access to Adelaide’s world-class cultural institutions.
- Discover emerging technologies in digital literacy and creative innovation.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Curatorial and Museum Studies will develop your expertise in collection management and exhibition design. You’ll get a taste for a career appreciating the creativity and beauty of art. In six months (or part-time equivalent), you’ll discover a range of topics across the Arts and Humanities field.
Focus on the life of objects as they travel around the world through cultural institutions. Unravel the complex history of object acquisition in art galleries and museums. Gain practical skills in museum practice and learn about conservation, collection management and curation. Harness the expertise of professionals in the field and build industry connections.
Discover contemporary museum practice globally, nationally and locally. Chart the history and future of museums and critically analyse museum theory and curatorial practice. Use the South Australian Museum as a case study, engaging directly with staff and collections.
You’ll blend history, theory and politics with hands-on learning experiences to gain a broad understanding of museum practices.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 12 units for Core courses, and
- 12 units for Electives
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units from Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Course name
Making a museum
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Course code
LIBR5003
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Units
12
|
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Course name
The Secret Life of Objects: Museums in Practice
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Course code
LIBR5005
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Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
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Course name
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Course code
-
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Units
12
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Course name
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Course code
-
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Units
12
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Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Course name
The Exhibition: Concept, Design and Delivery
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Course code
LIBR5002
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Units
12
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Course name
Museum collections management
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Course code
LIBR5008
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Units
12
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Course name
Museum Internship
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Course code
LIBR5901
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Units
12
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| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
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Course name
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Course code
-
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Units
12
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Course name
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Course code
-
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Units
12
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Career outcomes
You’ll graduate from Adelaide University with real-world skills and strong links to industry. You’ll be ready to educate, inspire and make every cultural visit a rewarding experience.
You could work at a futuristic museum like MOD., setting up exhibits on morality, misinformation, mental health and migration. You might curate interactive animal displays, fossil collections or space experiences for young children. Perhaps you’ll focus on preserving cultural sites or digitising artefacts for online access.
You could also be an:
- Anthropologist
- Archivist
- Art gallery education officer
- Art historian
- Asset manager
- Arts educator
- Marketing officer.
Keen to deepen your knowledge? Continue your studies and complete your graduate diploma or master’s in curatorial and museum studies.
Industry trends
There is a growing focus on cultural ownership, particularly concerning Aboriginal artefacts and repatriation. Museums are responding to critiques of their roles in colonisation and appropriation, which is influencing policy debates and practices within the sector.
With your insights and experience from studying at Adelaide University, you’ll be able to play a part in safeguarding – and reimagining – the future of museum practices. You’ll be part of a dynamic and evolving industry that is adapting to societal changes and shifts in culture.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
