MUSEUM 7003 - Curatorial and Museum Studies Research Thesis
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code MUSEUM 7003 Course Curatorial and Museum Studies Research Thesis Coordinating Unit School of Humanities Term Semester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 12 Contact 2 hrs per fortnight Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N Prerequisites 24 Units of core courses and electives Assessment Research Thesis 100% Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Ania Kotarba
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
The purpose of the dissertation is to encourage students to undertake independent museums studies research and to foster research-related skills. On successful completion of this dissertation, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge in the area of their research.
2. Demonstrate the ability to initiate research and to formulate viable research questions.
3. Demonstrate the capacity to design, conduct and report sustained and original research.
4. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate scholarly literature.
5. Present research findings in a suitably structured thesis that conforms to protocols of academic presentation and research practice.
6. Demonstrate the ability to critically assess literature and conduct analyses at a Masters level.University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1,4,6 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
1,2,3,6 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
1 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
1,5 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
2,3,4,6 Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.
6 Attribute 7: Digital capabilities
Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
4 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning Resources
Required Resources
Readings will be made available via MyUni.Recommended Resources
Resources will be made available via MyUni.Online Learning
Available online -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Unlike standard coursework, research is a relatively unstructured activity. Students must self-pace and self-monitor their own progress. Weekly or fortnightly meetings (in person or online) with their thesis supervisor is recommended.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
1-hour meeting with supervisor each week or fortnight (online or in person) plus time for thesis research and writing.Learning Activities Summary
Meetings with supervisor, readings, thesis writing.Specific Course Requirements
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
20,000 word research thesisAssessment Detail
Students will need to submit a 20,000 word research thesis at the end of course. Formatting guidelines will be provided via MyUni.Submission
Submission via MyUni.This should include a title page showing:
- the title in full
- the full name
- the School in which the candidate submitted the work (School of Humanities)
- the degree for which the dissertation is submitted
- the date of submission
- the declaration
There should be a brief (less than 1 page) abstract preceding the text of the project. This should indicate the aims, scope and conclusions of the project, as well as the word count.
The project must also include a reference list.
The exact submission date and procedure will be posted on MyUni before the start of the semester.
A staff member from the Graduate Program will mark the research project.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
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- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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