Overview:

  • Degree awarded: Master of Art Curating
  • Duration:
  • 1.Full-time: 1 to 1.5 years (depending on prior qualifications or recognition of prior learning)
  • 2.Part-time option also available for those who prefer or need a slower pace
  • Delivery Format: On-campus, in person. Coursework + capstone (practical/industry-linked) units.
  • Location: University of Sydney, Camperdown / Darlington campus, Sydney, Australia

Short Description:

This is a postgraduate master’s program designed to prepare students for careers in the curatorial field of art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions. It combines theoretical, historical, social, political, and economic perspectives underlying galleries and museums, with strong practical elements such as internships, exhibition-making, and collaborations with leading art institutions.

Curriculum Highlights:

  • Credit requirements: Must complete 72 credit points.
  • Core units:  At least 18 credit points of core units.
  • Selective / elective units: At least 12 credit points of selective units; up to 36 credit points of electives.
  • Capstone unit(s): Minimum of 6 credit points of capstone unit(s) for practical / project-based or industry experience.
  • Recognition of prior learning (RPL): candidates with relevant prior study / work experience may have reduced course load.

Entry Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. art history, anthropology, cultural studies, indigenous studies, etc.) with a minimum grade average (often ~65%)
  • Alternatively, completion of the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Art Curating with a sufficient grade can lead to entry.
  • Relevant professional experience may also be considered in lieu (especially for RPL) in some cases.
  • English language proficiency: IELTS (or equivalent) required. For international students, generally overall 7.0 with no band less than 6.0.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates are trained to work in roles such as:

  • Art Curator
  • Exhibition / Program Curator
  • Collection Manager
  • Museum / Gallery Administrator
  • Arts Programmer
  • Art Educator
  • Critic or Art Writer
  • Dealer / Value

Fees:

  • International Tuition: approximately AUD 51,300 per year
  • Domestic fees are substantially lower – exact amount depends on Commonwealth-supported places etc.

Scholarships &Funding:

The university provides specific scholarships, including ones for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students (e.g. commencing scholarships in Art Curating or Museum & Heritage Studies) of AUD 10,000 p.a. for eligible domestic students.

Application Deadlines:

  • Semester 1
    Deadline: 1 December of the year prior to commencement
  • Semester 2
    Deadline: 15 May of the year in which you intend to commence

Contacts & Resources:

Website link: https://www.sydney.edu.au/courses/courses/pc/master-of-art-curating.html

CuratorialEducationScholarship