Graduate Certificate in Art Authentication
Course Introduction
The Graduate Certificate in Art Authentication provides participants with an introduction to key concepts and issues in art authentication. This program of study aims to develop an understanding of the main art historical, curatorial, legal, ethical and analytical issues relating to art fraud and the processes of art authentication.
The course is a response to industry demands for specialist training and for a clearer definition of the processes involved in art authentication and the policing and prosecution of art fraud. The program will be presented by experts from a broad range of disciplines including art history, conservation, criminology and analytical chemistry, and the topics covered have been identified and developed in consultation with the art industry.
Who Should Attend?
The course content is suitable for students seeking to enhance their knowledge of and their exposure to the multidisciplinary field of art authentication. Participants will be drawn from the arts industry and law enforcement sector including art collectors, dealers and auction houses, curators, conservation, police and fraud investigation and prosecution personnel.
About the Centre for Cultural Material Conservation
The Centre for Cultural Material Conservation is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science and the Ian Potter Museum of Art in recognition of the potential for unique interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of cultural material conservation.
The Centre builds on the work of the University of Melbourne Conservation Services, and the excellent research track record of the Service.
The Centre brings together the broad academic expertise of the two Faculties with existing programs at the Ian Potter Art Conservation Centre, to explore new areas in instrumentation and analysis, policy, and programs in the area of the preservation of cultural material.
A key aim of the Centre is to develop post-graduate research opportunities relating to the broader issues of cultural preservation, particularly as these relate to communities and cultures within the Asia-Pacific region. For more information visit; www.culturalconservation.unimelb.edu.au
2008 Registration
Closing date for applications is Friday, 30 May 2008
The minimum number of students must be meet in order to proceed with the delivery of the course. This is confirmed approximately one month prior to the commencement date.
Course Objectives
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Art Authentication will:
- Have an understanding of the current definitions of original artwork from both legal and art historical perspectives.
- Gain an appreciation of the effect of art fraud on artists and the art industry.
- Understand the key legal issues associated with art fraud investigation.
- Develop a sound knowledge of the theory and history of the practice of art authentication, including an introduction to common fraud approaches.
- Understand the main theories, practical processes, and forensic methodologies of art authentication.
- Be able to identify and source appropriate analytical methodologies in the investigation of art fraud.
Entry Requirements
a) An appropriate undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification; Or
b) Extensive relevant professional work experience which demonstrates the capacity to successfully undertake the course.
Course Fee
The Graduate Certificate in Art Authentication fee is AUD 8,000 (GST Exempt). Fee-Help is available; for more information visit: www.goingtouni.gov.au
Course Structure
The Graduate Certificate in Art Authentication
12 months part-time
This award requires successful completion of 50 points from the following four core subjects.
12.5 - Issues in Art Fraud
12.5 - History & Theory of Art Authentication
12.5 - Introduction to Art Authentication Techniques
12.5 - Art Authentication Investigative Project
Course Delivery
This course is offered on a part-time basis and will be delivered in person for the first three subjects. The coursework is delivered by two-day sessions for each subject and there is an online portion to assist with the completion of the required essays. The fourth subject is an investigative project undertaken in consultation with the academic coordinator.
Course Coordinator Details
Robyn Sloggett is Director of the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation at the University of Melbourne. She has been past National President of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM), is a member of a number of Government committees, and is on the editorial board of a number of museum and conservation journals. In 2004 she shared the AICCM’s Conservator of the Year Award.
Delivery Dates
June 2008
16 & 17 – Issues in Art Fraud
18 & 19 – History & Theory of Art Authentication
23 & 24 – Introduction to Art Authentication
Attendance is compulsory on delivery dates.
Revision Dates
8, 9 & 10 October 2008
Attendance is optional on revision dates
Venue
This course is delivered at the University of Melbourne, Parkville campus.
Course Brochure
2008 Graduate Certificate in Art Authentication Brochure
Reading Packs
Students will be provided with a reading pack/folder for the program. This folder will include selected readings relevant to particular topics cover in the program and presentations delivered throughout the program.
Libraries
Award students will also be issued a University of Melbourne student card, which will give them full borrowing rights for all branches of the University of Melbourne libraries at Parkville.
The University of Melbourne holds one of the most significant academic libraries and archive collections in the southern hemisphere. It has one of the largest collections, providing three million volumes on paper and University Archives, including collections of international significance on many subjects.
Online Databases
Award students will be issued a University of Melbourne email username and password. This email username and password will allow you to access an extensive online resource library via the internet. This electronic database provides reference material for assignments and is a valuable tool to assist in your study.
Please find following web address for the University of Melbourne's online resource library: http://www.lib.unimelb.edu.au/
Online Learning System
Once a student has enrolled they will be issued with a user name and password to access the Online Learning system, also known as Moodle.
We suggest each student visits the site, completes the steps to login and familiarises themselves with the system. The system is a main point of communication between the coordinator, student services and other students enrolled. If there is required pre-reading, it will also be made available to view and print from Moodle. In addition, students can upload assignments directly to Moodle for assessment.
Information uploaded to Moodle such as assignments, and communication between the coordinator is strictly confidential and private. Other users do not have the ability to view this information without the expressed permission of the author and Melbourne Consulting & Custom Programs, the University of Melbourne.
For further information contact
Danielle Boardman
Project Manager
Melbourne Consulting and Custom Programs
The University of Melbourne
Level 3, 442 Auburn Road
Hawthorn, Vic 3122 Australia
T: +61 3 9810 3250
F: +61 3 9810 3149
E: d.boardman@mccp.unimelb.edu.au
W: www.mccp.unimelb.edu.au
Application Process
Applications are managed by Student Services.

