Master of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies (Professional) (CRICOS course code 102878H) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Deakin University (Deakin) over 2 years. This course is designed for students who want to deepen their expertise in managing cultural heritage and museum collections, combining academic theory with practical professional experience. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00113B), it meets Australian Government standards for international students, ensuring quality education and ESOS Act protections. Whether you aim to work in museums, galleries, heritage sites, or cultural policy, this degree opens doors to a dynamic field. HeadStart Academy helps you navigate your study options—explore fees, entry requirements, and application steps below.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Master of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies (Professional) (CRICOS course code 102878H) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Deakin University (Deakin) over 2 years. Classified under AQF Level 9, this course focuses on the field of Human Geography (090309), examining how societies interact with cultural landscapes, heritage management, and museum practices. Deakin University is a CRICOS-registered government provider (CRICOS 00113B), and this course is listed on the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. International students can expect a rigorous program that blends theoretical frameworks with applied projects, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the cultural sector. The course includes a mandatory work component, ensuring real-world experience alongside academic learning.
This Masters program covers the interdisciplinary field of cultural heritage and museum studies, drawing from human geography, anthropology, history, and arts management. Students explore topics such as heritage conservation, museum curation, collection management, cultural policy, and community engagement. You'll learn to analyse the social and political contexts of heritage, develop skills in interpretive planning, and understand ethical frameworks for managing cultural assets. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research methods, and professional practice, preparing you for careers in museums, galleries, heritage organizations, government agencies, and non-profits. While specific syllabus details are set by Deakin University, graduates typically gain expertise in safeguarding cultural identity and presenting history to diverse audiences.
According to the CRICOS register, this course runs for 104 weeks (2 years) of full-time study. Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (not a dual degree). No foundation studies are required as part of this course. As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The duration reflects both coursework and the embedded work-integrated learning component. Deakin University offers on-campus delivery at its Melbourne Burwood Campus in BURWOOD, VIC.
The indicative tuition fee for Master of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies (Professional) is A$79,160 total for the full program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, giving an estimated total cost of A$79,160. Please note: these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Deakin University. They may change without notice—always confirm current fees on the provider’s website. The following costs are NOT included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the visa application charge. For a guide, Melbourne’s cost of living is approximately A$500–A$700 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. HeadStart Academy recommends budgeting for these additional expenses.
International applicants are expected to have completed a recognised bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in a related field, such as humanities, social sciences, or heritage studies. English language proficiency is typically required with an IELTS overall score of 6.5–7.0 (no band below 6.5) or equivalent. Deakin University may also consider relevant professional experience. If you do not meet direct entry, pathway options such as a graduate certificate or diploma may be available—check with the provider. Always refer to Deakin’s official website for precise requirements. Meeting minimum entry does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 20 weeks of professional placement at 15 hours per week, totalling approximately 300 hours. This industry placement allows you to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting, such as a museum, gallery, heritage site, or cultural organisation. You’ll gain hands-on experience in curation, collection management, public programming, or heritage conservation. This component is designed to enhance employability and build professional networks in the cultural sector. Deakin University coordinates placement opportunities, but you may also propose a placement relevant to your career goals.
This course is delivered at Deakin University’s Melbourne Burwood Campus, located in BURWOOD, VIC. Burwood is a suburb approximately 15 km east of Melbourne’s CBD, well-connected by train and tram. Melbourne is home to over 130,000 international students and more than 20 CRICOS-registered providers offering a wide range of courses. The city’s vibrant arts and culture scene—including the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, and numerous heritage precincts—provides excellent opportunities for networking and practical experience. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, with weekly rent for a shared apartment averaging A$200–A$350.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain valid enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status. Financial capacity requirements include evidence of funds for tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year), and travel. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice. All international students are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring education quality and refund protections.
Applying for Master of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies (Professional) at Deakin University is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Masters), field (Human Geography), and location (VIC). Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered—Deakin University (CRICOS 00113B) is fully registered.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Deakin University’s website to review entry requirements, English language tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE), and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, CV, and personal statement. Submit your application online through Deakin’s international admissions portal.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, Deakin will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. You can apply up to 124 days before your course starts. Don’t forget to arrange OSHC and budget for living costs.
Ready to start your journey? Begin by exploring more Masters courses in Victoria on HeadStart Academy, or contact Deakin University directly for application details.
Master of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies (Professional) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Deakin University (Deakin). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.