Master of Curatorial and Museum Studies

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Program code

MACMS

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$45,500

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115933K

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Why Master of Curatorial and Museum Studies?

Immerse yourself in a world of culture. Curate your future career.

Museums are necessary to sustain cultural and educational work that societies respect. Craft the journey between artefacts and audiences. Preserve the past while mastering the future. Reflect the way society sees itself through landmark cultural institutions.

Discover the vital role that curators play in celebrating our cultural heritage on a global scale. Shape the present into dynamic galleries of wonder and insight. Transform society and take your art history knowledge to the world.

Overview

Museums are dynamic and ever-changing cultural institutions. Our cutting-edge program challenges existing museum theory and practice.

Our degree is delivered in partnership with key cultural institutions like the South Australian Museum and the History Trust of South Australia. These institutions can serve as truth-telling for First Nations people. You’ll be at the forefront of enriching international cultural diplomacy opportunities.

Contribute to the human-to-human cultural exchange we need in an increasingly shifting world. Adelaide University’s Master of Curatorial and Museum Studies explores issues of cultural ownership and conservation. You’ll learn how to respectfully discover social heritage and build skills in ethical collection and exhibition development.

Learn through regular site visits to Adelaide’s world-class cultural institutions, guest lectures and internships. Graduate career ready in this specialist field. You’ll be locally and globally connected with strong links to industry experts. Become part of a network of museum and heritage professionals, ready to revolutionise the industry.

Key features

Delivered in partnership with key cultural institutions in South Australia.
Build skills in collection and exhibition development, and museum and gallery management.
Discover emerging technologies to develop next-generation skills.
Explore cross-disciplinary courses in both Arts and Humanities.
Examine the complexities of cultural ownership and conservation.
Join a network of museum and heritage professionals.

What you'll learn

The Master of Curatorial and Museum Studies utilises emerging technologies to ensure you develop next-generation skills. Be equipped in the fields of digital literacy and creative innovation. Throughout your two-year degree, you’ll explore related subjects in both Arts and Humanities disciplines. You’ll also study specialised courses such as project management, marketing, communication, media and communication.

To successfully complete this degree, you will be required to complete core and research courses, as well as a research dissertation. Choose from a range of elective courses throughout your studies, tailored to your interests and aligned with your career goals.

First year

Start your studies by answering big questions like, what is a museum? Explore contemporary museum practice and critically analyse museum theory and curatorial practice. Collaborate with staff and collections at the South Australian Museum to develop a key case study. You’ll also focus on the life of objects as they move into, through, and sometimes, out of cultural institutions.

Discover the complex histories of how objects are acquired by museums and art galleries. You’ll be provided unprecedented access to local museums and professionals.

Second year

In your second year, you’ll demonstrate specialist knowledge in a specific area of interest through a research thesis.

You’ll couple this learning with research training courses. These will strengthen your skills in quantitative and qualitative methods and approaches.

Throughout your degree, you’ll complete a range of electives from areas including art history, history and media. Explore renaissance art, art censorship, Leonardo da Vinci, genealogy, or maybe even Australian Indigenous languages. Perhaps you will undertake a museum internship.

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

60 units for all Core courses, and
36 units for Electives

Complete 60 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Making a museum	Course code LIBR5003	Units 12
Course name The Secret Life of Objects: Museums in Practice	Course code LIBR5005	Units 12
Course name Curatorial and Museum Studies Research Thesis	Course code LIBR6004	Units 24
Course name Museum Studies Minor Research Project	Course code LIBR6005	Units 12

Complete 36 units comprising:

36 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name People and Environment in the Asia-Pacific Region	Course code ENVI5003	Units 6
Course name From Genealogies to Genetics	Course code HIST5000	Units 12
Course name Digital Exhibition Project: Art History	Course code HIST5001	Units 12
Course name Rococo to Romanticism: Eighteenth-Century Art	Course code HIST5002	Units 12
Course name Writing History	Course code HIST5003	Units 12
Course name Renaissance Art in Northern Europe	Course code HIST5004	Units 12
Course name The Art and Science of Leonardo da Vinci	Course code HIST5005	Units 12
Course name The History of the Family	Course code HIST6000	Units 12
Course name Social Media Management	Course code MDIA5002	Units 6
Course name Media Relations	Course code MDIA5009	Units 6
Course name The Archive	Course code LIBR5001	Units 6
Course name The Exhibition: Concept, Design and Delivery	Course code LIBR5002	Units 12
Course name Museum collections management	Course code LIBR5008	Units 6
Course name Museum Internship	Course code LIBR5901	Units 6

Career outcomes

Graduate from Adelaide University with strong links to industry experts. You’ll play a crucial role in cultural enrichment and heritage preservation.

You could curate world-class collections in museums or art galleries. Maybe you’ll head the Adelaide Fringe Festival, bringing together exciting performers from around the world. Perhaps you’ll contribute to the preservation of Indigenous cultural heritage and artefacts.

Careers you may also like to consider include:

Exhibition designer
Exhibition coordinator
Collections manager
Archivist
Curator
Arts educator.

Industry trends

Revive is a five-year plan that aims to renew and revive Australia’s arts, entertainment and cultural sector. The Australian Government has pledged $199 million in funding over 4 years from 2023–24 (Australian Government, 2023). This new cultural policy will amplify the significance of cultural infrastructure and strengthen career prospects in these sectors. With an Adelaide University degree, you’ll be a voice for museums, advocating their role as key centres of innovation and importance.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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: