Student Profiles

Rosemary Fitzgerald

Professional Development Co-ordinator, Museums Australia (WA)
Master of Applied Cultural Heritage Studies

I chose to come to Curtin because I wanted to attend a local university rather than study externally.  I wanted postgrad study in museums and heritage field, and Curtin was the only WA uni that was offering a course (as far as I know) covering those areas.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Curtin.  The class groups were small enough to allow for plenty of interaction and discussion with other group members; the lecturers were very approachable and revealed an impressive breadth of knowledge within their fields.  I enjoyed the social networking with other students and have forged a number of continuing friendships with fellow students.

The highlight of my degree was completing my major research paper, which was very time consuming but I feel as though I have developed an invaluable skill.  The paper is now available through Curtin’s general library collection.

Early in 2008, while still at university, I offered to work as a volunteer with the National Trust of Western Australia in order to get a better understanding of the work carried out by one of our major heritage institutions.  Towards the end of my course I began applying for positions within the cultural heritage sector in Perth.  At the beginning of March this year I was successful in my application for the role of Professional Development Co-ordinator with Museums Australia (WA).

This degree has definitely helped me in my career path. It allowed me to make contact with many people involved with cultural heritage and to present my own talents and skills during several practical assignments on location at some of Perth’s museums and heritage institutions.

The staff at Curtin were positive and encouraging; they continue to act in a supportive role and provide an inclusive environment for past and present students with regard to any relevant events that might be happening.

I would recommend the degree to others. It offers a practical application to museums and heritage issues today as well as providing a valuable historical and theoretical context.  This equips students with the knowledge to seek hands on work within this field or choose to follow the path of further academic research.