Graduate Certificate in Heritage Materials Conservation

Get your hands on history

If you have a passion for preserving the past, then UC’s Graduate Certificate in Heritage Materials Conservation is the course for you. Harness your creativity to graduate with confidence, gaining skills in conservation through hands-on study. Be inspired and learn from industry experts from the nation’s top creative and cultural institutions.

From paintings to paper and archives, film and sounds, textiles, natural history and even building conservation, wherever your interests lie, you’ll build the foundation for a rewarding career in a range of exciting roles across the cultural heritage and museum sector.

What is a graduate certificate?

This is a short postgraduate qualification that is made up of four subjects. It is a smart choice for those looking to up-skill quickly as it can be completed part-time over two, four-month semesters. It also offers a direct pathway into a master’s degree if you decide to keep studying.

Adobe Creative Campus

Study with the tools you need to excel, at Canberra's first Adobe Creative Campus.

Hands-on study

Grow your practical skills across the semester.

Tailor your degree

Select units to embrace your chosen materials of interest.

Adobe Creative Campus

Study with the tools you need to excel, at Canberra's first Adobe Creative Campus.

Hands-on study

Grow your practical skills across the semester.

Tailor your degree

Select units to embrace your chosen materials of interest.

Download a course guide

Graduate Certificate in Heritage Materials Conservation course guide.

Course highlights

Develop a strong theoretical, ethical and practical understanding of heritage materials.

Build a sought-after skill set to stay in-demands.

Graduate with a qualification that sets you apart.

Gain knowledge and skills applicable to a vast number of roles.

Graduate sooner
Get qualified in 12 months (part-time)

Intakes in February and July

Develop emerging and in-demand skills

Domestic students
Reduced fees available with Commonwealth Support Places
International students
$4,650 per unit
Learn more about fees and cost

Why study at UC

As the only course of its type in Australia, UC’s Graduate Certificate in Heritage Materials Conservation will equip you with essential technical and practical skills to start your dream career in heritage conservation without having to commit to a full Master's degree.

What’s more, upon graduation, UC can help facilitate voluntary internships with cultural institutions nation-wide, helping you establish valuable connections of your own and get your foot in the door of your dream career.

State-of-the-art facilities

Explore your passion in our dedicated conservation labs.

Skills for success

Develop a unique skill set to stand out from the crowd.

Get a taste for further study

Progress into a Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree by enrolling in additional units.

Adobe Creative Campus

As an Adobe Creative Campus, we’re part of a select group of institutions that empowers every student with essential creativity and digital skills to succeed — no matter what you’re studying today or what career you choose to pursue after graduating. With Adobe, you can learn to communicate more effectively, build your personal brand, prepare for the challenges of an increasingly digital world, and prepare to achieve your goals as a student here and beyond.

Learn more

Career outlook

Make the most of the Australian Government’s commitment to ongoing investment in the arts and follow your ambition into an ever-growing pool of employment opportunities across the sector.

Completing the Graduate Certificate in Heritage Materials Conservation will open doors to a range of exciting, in-demand jobs such as a Conservator, Collections or Heritage Manager, Curator, Gallery Manager, Heritage Site Manager and more.

Meet your teacher

Alison Wain

Lecturer

Having spent 25 years in the heritage industry, Alison has a wealth of experience across conservation of archaeological and historic objects, large machinery preservation and interpretation.

Prior to joining UC, she worked extensively as a conservator with the Australian War Memorial and Museum of Victoria and brings with her invaluable contacts from cultural institutions nation-wide.

Conducting research into the significance and values people attribute to heritage, she is an advocate for helping you explore your passion for materials and collections preservation, wherever it may take you.