Master of Museum Studies

Develop your knowledge and skills in museum history, theory and practice, and build your career in the museum and heritage industry.

The 1.5 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) Master of Museum Studies encompasses museum history, theory and practice. An interdisciplinary approach is used to deliver core courses, with a broad choice of interdepartmental and cross-faculty electives. You'll develop a critical awareness of the social, cultural and political issues facing those working in the sector, while getting the hands-on training necessary for professional practice.

Engaging with the University’s world-class museums and collections, together with leading professionals in the field, will provide you with a uniquely stimulating environment for museological research and training. The involvement of campus-based museums and collections – including UQ Art Museum, UQ Anthropology Museum and the R. D. Milns Antiquities Museum – is integral to the program and will enhance your knowledge of contemporary day-to-day work practices.

You'll also be able to gain professional experience and contacts in the workplace through our short-term internships or placements, where you undertake specific projects which contribute to your overall assessment. In recent years, these have been at institutions such as Queensland Art Gallery/GOMA, Queensland Museum, Ipswich Art Gallery, UQ Art Museum and the State Library of Queensland, as well as leading museums in London, New York and Tokyo.

Program highlights

• Benefit from engaging with the University’s world-class museums and collections, together with leading professionals in the field.
• Choose from 14 study areas, including museum context, cultural heritage law, museums and community engagement, digital heritage and more.
• Gain professional experience and contacts in the workplace – in Australia and overseas.
• Deepen your understanding of the social, cultural and political issues facing the museum and gallery sector, and gain the skills to further your career.