Museum and Heritage Studies
E ngā mana
E ngā reo
E ngā waka
Tēnā rā koutou katoa!
Victoria University of Wellington'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.
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 Postgraduate Certificate in Museum and Heritage Practice consists of two core courses, and it is the ideal introduction to the Museum and Heritage sector and a platform for further study. The Postgraduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Practice is a four-course diploma, comprising an introductory course, practicum, and a further 60 points. It provides a flexible qualification for working professionals or graduate students seeking a career in the field.
The Master of Museum and Heritage Practice 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's rich cultural resources, classes incorporate numerous field trips and input from senior staff of local organisations.
Advisory group
- Arapata Hakiwai, Kaihautū, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- Helen Kedgley, Consultant
- Imelda Bargas, Senior Historian, Ministry for Culture and Heritage - Manatū Taonga
- Robert McClean, Senior Analyst, Resource Management Planning Team, Ministry for the Environment - Manatū Mō Te Taiao
- Athol McCredie, Curator, Photography, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- Dr Jane Legget, Head of Research, Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira
- Dr David Butts, Manager, Heritage Operations, Ministry for Culture and Heritage - Manatū Taonga
- Paul Mahoney, Heritage Technical Advisor, Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai
- Ana Sciascia, Advisor International Creative New Zealand
- Rachel Esson, Associate Chief Librarian Research Collections, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa
Teaching associates
- Ken Gorbey, Museums consultant
- Michael Kelly, Heritage consultant
- Sean Mallon, Senior Curator, Pacific Cultures, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- Athol McCredie, Curator, Photography, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- Dr Gavin McLean, Senior Historian, Ministry for Culture and Heritage - Manatū Taonga
- Awhina Tamarapa, Freelance Curator
- 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, Studio Carolina Izzo
- Dr David Butts, Manager, Heritage Operations, Ministry for Culture and Heritage - Manatū Taonga
- Brett Mason, Director, Museums Wellington
- Robert McClean, Senior Analyst, Resource Management Planning Team, Ministry for the Environment - Manatū Mō Te Taiao
Honorary research associates
- Dr Jane Legget, Head of Research, Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira
- Dr Gavin McLean, Senior Historian, Ministry for Culture and Heritage - Manatū Taonga
- Dr Sven Schroeder, Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai
- Dr Huhana Smith, independent artist, curator and researcher