The University of Canberra offers a rare opportunity for students fascinated with culture, material culture and the past to undertake undergraduate studies which focus on the conservation, management and understanding of cultural heritage in all its forms. Our programs feature opportunities for practical hands on experiences, field trips and work integrated learning.  As well as the two specialist degree programs set out below, students can also undertake majors or minors in Cultural Heritage Practice (MJ0140/MN0131) and Museum Studies (MJ0176/MN0081), or simply enjoy one or two cultural heritage subjects as electives!

Bachelor of Cultural Heritage (955AA)

The Bachelor of Cultural Heritage course prepares students for careers in the cultural heritage and museum sectors—and is an introduction to the cultural heritage disciplines for those students who have a passion for culture and the past more generally.  The course takes an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach to cultural heritage and museums, and to understanding the role of cultural heritage in its broader social, historical, cultural and political context.  The course aims to produce graduates who have a strong grasp of cultural heritage issues, well-developed research, interpretation, conservation and management skills, and an understanding of cultural heritage in its many forms—including museums and collections, sites and places, buildings and landscapes, intangible heritage and cultural practices.

The Bachelor of Cultural Heritage is undergoing revision, improvements and industry consultation. A new cultural heritage degree will be available in 2013.  If you were planning to enrol in the Bachelor of Cultural Heritage in 2012 please contact the Arts and Design Student Liaison Officers or Dr Tracy Ireland to discuss your options.  In 2012 you have the option to enrol either in the Bachelor of Cultural Heritage Conservation 954AA or the Bachelor of Arts and change into the new cultural heritage degree when it is available in 2013.  You will be able to study cultural heritage units which will then count towards the new degree and you will not be disadvantaged in any way. Students already enrolled in the Bachelor of Cultural Heritage degree will still be able to graduate with this degree or can change to the new degree if they prefer.

Bachelor of Cultural Heritage Conservation (954AA)

Australia’s many peoples and cultures have left a legacy of objects, art, documents, industrial technology etc—all of which needs care and expert preservation.  Students undertaking this course will:

• Develop scholarly, analytical knowledge of the disciplines required for professional practice as a conservator of cultural heritage material;

• Develop practical skills to the high standard that is essential for cultural heritage conservation;

• Gain professional experience and recognition during the course through applied work with professional practices, museums and heritage agencies, both domestic and international; and

• Develop generic professional skills required for a career in the sector.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Cultural Heritage may find employment in a broad range of private and public sector roles.  Career opportunities include heritage place managers, park rangers, museum professionals, state and commonwealth heritage agencies, local government and specialist heritage consultants, administrators and advisors.  The graduate skills and attributes acquired in this course are also relevant to a broad range of careers in, for instance, cultural policy and management, tourism, environmental policy and management.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Cultural Heritage Conservation will find employment in museums, galleries, heritage organisations and private practice.  The program is internationally recognised and students have the opportunity to work in museums and historic sites throughout the world.  The graduate skills and attributes acquired in this course are also relevant to a broad range of careers in cultural heritage.

Canberra—Culture on Tap!

Canberra is a great place to study cultural heritage! The Cultural Heritage and Conservation courses offer opportunities for work integrated learning and internships in Australia’s fabulous national museums, galleries and collecting institutions. Our courses also take advantage of the rich cultural heritage of the Canberra region to provide learning opportunities and fieldwork experience for the development of practical skills.

The Donald Horne Institute for Cultural Heritage

The University of Canberra also hosts the Donald Horne Institute for Cultural Heritage, established in 2008 with the assistance of funding from the ACT government. The objective of the Institute is to integrate research and teaching with national and international cultural heritage institutions, professional bodies and community organisations. Students of Cultural Heritage and Conservation have the opportunity to participate in the Institute’s research and public outreach activities.

The Cultural Heritage Community

The group work, field trips, exhibition visits, and broad range of student activities associated with Cultural Heritage and Conservation at the University of Canberra, combine to create a strong community bond amongst students—forged in hard work and fun times.  The heritage profession in Canberra also contribute generously to the student community through their guest teaching, mentoring and supervisory roles.

Donald Horne Institute for Cultural Heritage

Bachelor of Cultural Heritage (955AA)

Bachelor of Cultural Heritage Conservation (954AA)

Course Convenor

Dr Tracy Ireland