Museum Management and Curatorship

Program Highlights

Make history come alive - relevant to the society of today and in the future.

Museum Managers and Curators don't just preserve the relics, stories, and memorabilia of the past. They animate it and interpret it, bringing history to life for people of all ages and stages. Put your college diploma or university degree to work in the service of a society that needs to know its past -- in order to inform the future.

You will take this post-graduate certificate program during three consecutive semesters. The program is designed to meet the needs of students who want to acquire applied training for careers in the museum/gallery or heritage sectors. The courses have been developed in consultation and co-operation with museums and heritage organizations in order to offer a real, not simulated, work experience. The program is an optimal blend of independent study, in-class lectures, discussion, group work and applied projects.

The Peterborough Museum & Archives, a City-owned and operated institution, is the program's main learning partner. The museum has designated spaces for Fleming students. This is where you will attend the majority of your lectures. As well, you will do practical training at this museum. Find out more information about the museum at: www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca

Classes are also held at the college's Sutherland Campus (on Brealey Drive) and at Trent University Archives.

By being immersed in museum work, you'll experience the complexity and diversity of tasks/duties in small to medium-sized museums or galleries. You will need to complete site work, research, and group projects and be prepared for off-campus teaching outside of "regular" day classes.

Success Stories

"The program provided me with essential foundations skills that I call upon almost on a daily basis. I found the team building aspect of the program to be the most useful skill set gained. In my business world, a competent team player is crucial to mastering company-client relations. This program gave me the practice and confidence I needed to become a successful research consultant for one of my company's largest clients - the Department of Indian Northern Affairs Canada. I do research and build reports which will eventually be used in court for Canadian First Nations communities seeking compensation for their experiences within the Residential School System. I have an office in downtown Ottawa and work from home two to three days a week. The job is flexible but very demanding. It has been a great first jump into the working world, and I have the Museum Management and Curatorship program to thank for it."

Ashley Whiteside, Program Graduate
Associate, Public History Inc.

Why Choose Fleming

The Museum Management and Curatorship program at Fleming College is unique in Canada, and is one of the few available to students interested in this field. The certificate is highly regarded by heritage, historical, and cultural institutions, galleries, museums, and graduates. The program benefits from strong partnerships and support from museums and galleries.

The third semester of the Museum Management and Curatorship program is a challenging, full-time, four-month internship during the spring and summer. This unpaid, curriculum-based internship will give you hands-on work experience.

Attention Trent University students. If you're in third or fourth year, you can credit your Fleming year in this program toward an Honours B.A. (Contact Trent University for details.)

Work Experience

By the nature of this program, a significant amount of time is spent working in the field, and on practical projects. You'll also take part in an exciting, internship program throughout the spring and summer of your final semester -- putting all your hard work and studies into motion. Students should be prepared to relocate for the internship, to pay full tuition, and be self-supporting. You will negotiate your own internship with faculty assistance, and several students have gone abroad for the internship - for example, to placements in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Examples of internship locations include:

• Heritage Preservation Office - Peterborough
• Peterborough Museum & Archives
• Provincial Archives Associations
• Ontario Museum Association
• The Rooms Newfoundland
• Nova Scotia Museums
• Metro Toronto Zoo
• Bata Shoe Museum
• Royal Tyrrell Museum
• National Trust

Is this You?

• An interest in history, culture, and heritage
• manual dexterity
• public relations skills
• ability to work with people of all ages
• cultural sensitivity/awareness
• ability to multi-task
• time management skills
• sense of humour
• team building skills
• strong communication skills

Looking for an Advantage?

Experience or certification in the following are assets:

• Digital photography
• Photoshop, Adobe Suite 
• Fall Arrest Training
• French language skills
• Fire Prevention Training
• Firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence (P.A.L.)
• Experience working with databases 

Career Opportunities

You'll find employment at historic sites, parks, zoos, monuments, living history sites, museums, galleries, and in heritage/arts/cultural education. Job titles include:

• archivist/collections manager /registrar
• curator
• museum interpreter/guide
• outreach and extension co-ordinator
• exhibit designer/co-ordinator
• education officer
• fundraiser

An initial job after graduation most likely will be a contract position, but you'll progress from there to more permanent, full-time employment. There's a high employment rate in the field following graduation.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• A university degree in a related field, or the equivalent.
• Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic admission requirements will be considered on an individual basis by the program co-ordinator.

Related Programs

This program is ideally suited as a continuing studies addition to a degree or diploma. For instance, Trent University students in third or fourth year can take this program to help them earn an Honours B.A.

Fleming College Visual and Creative Arts Diploma graduates can complete Fleming's Museum Management and Curatorship post-graduate program with just two additional semesters of study.

Health Requirements

If you have a complex medical history, we strongly advise you to discuss your concerns with the program co-ordinator, and to consult with your doctor. You must update Tetanus and all immunizations prior to the start of classes. In addition, students are required to pay certification fees and present current certification for Standard First Aid, CPR (C Level), WHMIS training and a current police records check.

Additional Costs

Books/supply costs are approximately $1600 a year.