Museum and Heritage Studies
Last Updated: October 15, 2024
14 Waiteata Rd
Kelburn, Wellington 6021
Director(s)
Professor Conal McCarthy, Director
+64 4 463 7470
Program Introduction
This interdisciplinary programme incorporates GLAMs (galleries, libraries, archives, museums), heritage and public history, as well as a strong indigenous element (Maori and Pacific heritage). The leading programme in the region, it was established in 2000, has two full time staff and extensive input and support from professionals in the sector, and has produced 15-20 graduates p.a. Qualifications include a one year taught masters degree focusing on current practice, a research masters (MA by thesis) and PhD. The history programme at VUW includes public history in its offerings and offers a BA, Hons, MA and PhD. Both programmes have close relationships with national institutions, repositories, and heritage organisations.
Degrees Offered
- B.A. in History
- M.A. in History
- Ph.D. in History
- Museum Studies Degree, Certificate, or Minor
- Other
Program Strengths
- Archival Practices
- Historic Preservation
- Historical Administration
- Local/Community History
- Material Culture
- Museum Studies
- Other
- Public Policy
Credit Hour Requirements
N/A
How Many Students are Admitted Annually
BA50
MA15-20
PhD1-2
MAs produced last year
15 MMHPs, 2 MAs
Full-time Program Staff/Faculty
Two in MHST, 10 in History, and a number of Teaching Fellows.
Financial Aid Available
None for International Students
Deadline To Apply
December 1
Internship Requirements
Required. 600 hours over Masters Degree, sometimes paid, closely managed.
Places Where Students Have Interned During the Past 3 Years
• Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
• Creative New Zealand
• New Zealand Historic Places Trust
• New Zealand Department of Conservation
• Auckland Museum
• Auckland Art Gallery
• Te Ara
Job Placement Assistance
The MMHP has a lot of emphasis on employability, and includes classes on transition to work (cvs, interviews, career portfolio) as well as Vic Careers who offer extensive advice and resources to student and graduates.
Job Placement Percentage Within One Year
Roughly 75%Employers Who Have Hired Graduates from this Program within the Past Five Years
Too many to name – local and national GLAMs and heritage/history organisations in NZ as well as Australia and the UK
Community & Institutional Connections
Too many to name, see this list of reps on our Advisory Group.