Museum and Heritage Studies
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Victoria University's Museum and Heritage Studies Programme produces graduates with the knowledge, skills and critical and creative thinking which are demanded in today's cultural sector. The Programme offers a range of flexible qualifications and courses which balance taught classes and work experience, academic research and professional skills. Students will acquire a broad grasp of this interdisciplinary field which combines history, theory and practice with opportunities for independent research and workplace projects.
MHST 512 students, Arawhetu Berdinner, Simon Dailey and Ryan Brown-Haysom, taking part in a preventive conservation workshop at Studio Carolina Izzo
The Programme is ideally situated in Wellington, and has strong relationships with national organisations such as Te Papa, the Ministry for Culture & Heritage, the Historic Places Trust, the Department of Conservation, Museums Aotearoa and Creative New Zealand as well as with many smaller regional museums, art galleries, archives and other heritage organisations. The Programme is staffed by two full time academics backed up by a group of highly qualified professionals drawn from the sector who have extensive input into the Programme.
The Programme offers three specialist qualifications as well as an MA by thesis and PhD by thesis. The Graduate Certificate in Museum and Heritage Studies consists of two core courses, and it is the ideal introduction to the Museum and Heritage sector and a platform for further study. The Graduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies is a four-course diploma, comprising an introductory course, practicum, elective and research essay or project, and it provides a flexible qualification for working professionals or graduate students seeking a career in the field.
The Master of Museum and Heritage Studies is a postgraduate degree which requires four taught courses, two practicums and a dissertation based on original research. The unique combination of theoretical and applied study at an advanced level prepares graduates for a career in museums, art galleries and a range of cultural and natural heritage organisations in New Zealand. Taking advantage of Wellington' rich cultural resources, classes incorporate numerous field trips and input from senior staff of local organisations.
MHST 512 students and staff at a preventive conservation workshop in Carolina Izzo's studio
Advisory Group
- Arapata Hakiwai, Te Papa Tongarewa
- Helen Kedgley, Pataka Museum of Arts and Cultures
- Imelda Bargas, Ministry for Culture and Heritage - Te Manatā Taonga
- Robert McClean, Historic Places Trust - Pouhere Taonga
- Athol McCredie, Te Papa Tongarewa
- Jane Legget, New Zealand Tourism Research Institute
- David Butts, Director Tairawhiti Museum, Gisborne
- Paul Mahoney, Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai
- Jude Chambers, Creative New Zealand
Teaching Associates
- Ken Gorbey, Museums consultant
- Michael Kelly, Heritage consultant
- Sean Mallon, Curator, Pacific Cultures, Te Papa Tongarewa
- Athol McCredie, Curator, Photography, Te Papa Tongarewa
- Dr Gavin McLean, Senior Historian, Ministry for Culture and Heritage - Te Manatā Taonga
- Eric Dorfman, Executive Director, Eklektus Inc.
- Awhina Tamarapa, Curator, Taonga Māori, Te Papa Tongarewa
- Phillipa Tocker, Executive Director, Museums Aotearoa - Te Tari o Nga Whare Taonga o Te Motu
- Craig Turvey, Designer, 3D creative
- Ian Wedde, Freelance writer and curator
- Carolina Izzo, Freelance conservator
- Stephen Owen, Senior Research Advisor, Visitor & Market Research, Te Papa Tongarewa
- David Butts, Director Tairawhiti Museum, Gisborne
- Brett Mason, Director Museums Wellington
Honorary Research Associates
- Dr Jane Legget, Associate Director, Cultural Heritage Tourism, New Zealand
- Dr Gavin McLean, Senior Historian, Ministry for Culture and Heritage - Te Manatā Taonga