Curatorial Studies

Carleton’s Graduate Diploma in Curatorial Studies offers students both the disciplinary expertise and applied skills sought by cultural institutions. Our interdisciplinary program spans the arts, social sciences, and sciences, exposing students to a wide range of museological and curatorial issues. Through our strong relationships with museums, galleries and festivals in the National Capital region, students also receive hands-on discipline-specific training and exposure to professional best practices.

Our program offers two Graduate Diplomas in Curatorial Studies to domestic and international students. The Type 2 Diploma is designed for students seeking practical skills in addition to an MA or PhD at Carleton, and will provide a combination of academic training and professional skills unique in Canada. Our stand-alone Type 3 Diploma is designed for students who wish to supplement their academic qualifications with practical training, or for practitioners who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

This program includes a two-semester practicum component.  Carleton University is located in the heart of Canada’s national capital region, with a large concentration of galleries, museums, heritage and arts organizations. Significant components of the program are delivered in collaboration with professionals from these institutions, both on-campus at the Carleton University Art Gallery and in the field. These opportunities afford our students both real-world experience, and excellent employment networks.

Career Options

Students who complete the Graduate Diploma in Curatorial Studies are well-placed to pursue careers in art galleries, museums of anthropology, history, nature, science, war, etc.  as well as in dance, film, or music programming, government, heritage conservation, auction houses, and commercial galleries. These sectors, which are rapidly expanding domestically and worldwide, are seeking knowledgeable, well-trained curators able to balance theory and practice. Many Carleton alumni have gone on to successful curatorial careers, and constitute an influential network in the field.

Admission Requirements

Students pursuing a Type 2 Diploma must also fulfill the admission requirements of their degree program. Professionals interested in the Type 3 Diploma, who do not satisfy this degree requirement, must demonstrate relevant professional excellence. The applicability of previous coursework and/or professional experience will be determined on an individual basis.