New Masters programs in history and museum studies will be among the first initiatives to come out of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Australian National University and the University of Newcastle.

The two universities will collaborate on a range of initiatives, creating pathways for students, building research capacity and developing new programs in areas of strength. The agreement will make the most of Newcastle's professional education excellence and ANU research capability.

A collaborative Masters in History Education focused on teachers' professional development, and a joint Masters in Museums and Collections Curatorship will be the first product of the collaboration.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb said the MoU was about making the most of what both universities have to offer and creating the best learning environment and opportunities for students.

"The University of Newcastle has a great reputation for educating high quality teachers, especially in the humanities, and we are delighted to form this partnership with them. This agreement means that both universities can immediately begin work on creating new opportunities for postgraduates.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Nicholas Saunders said the MOU would open new avenues of learning for students and staff of both universities.

"The University of Newcastle is delighted to be in partnership with ANU to build on our combined strengths in teaching and research."

ANU and the University of Newcastle are also working together on a national project to develop new models of tertiary education collaboration between institutions with complementary capabilities.

This initiative aims to find new ways of sustaining higher education provision in thin markets and supporting strategically vulnerable disciplines in the new demand-driven system for student places.