Master of Arts by Research
The Masters by Research (MA) provides you with an opportunity to carry out sustained and independent research. Through this course you will develop advanced knowledge and skills in a chosen area of study, as well as skills in independent academic research. Your thesis is expected to demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an original contribution to existing scholarship.
Why choose graduate Arts at Melbourne
Areas of study available
Research Masters by Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis:
Research Masters by Thesis Only:
Duration
1.5 years full-time study
Entry
Applications to undertake research programs can be submitted throughout the year.
Minimum entry requirements
Completion of a four year Arts (Honours) degree with a research component or equivalent in the appropriate area of study or closely related area, with an Honours thesis result at least equivalent to an H2A (75%) and an overall Honours result at least equivalent to an H2B (70%) at the University of Melbourne.
Course structure
Masters by research programs are available in three forms:
- by thesis only (30,000 words), OR
- by advanced seminars and shorter thesis (seminars: total of 10,000-12,000 words; thesis: 20,000-22,000 words).
- by thesis and creative work (Masters of Creative Arts only)
Candidates undertaking a masters degree by thesis only, or by advanced seminars and shorter thesis, or by thesis and Creative work in the Faculty of Arts must achieve an average of H2B (70%) or higher in their results in order to qualify for the award. This requirement means that the thesis must be graded at H2B level or above, and that the average across the coursework component (where applicable) must be at H2B level or higher.
Supervision
You should arrange an interview with the relevant course coordinator prior to submitting your application in order to discuss your suitability for candidature and your proposed course of study. To assist you in researching potential supervisors, the University’s Find an Expert website lists the contact details and research areas and enables you to search by topic, name, faculty, school or centre.
Your application must be recommended by the relevant School. This indicates that the department concerned is satisfied with your academic background, that your research topic is deemed suitable, and that adequate supervision for your topic is available.
NOTE: Some Schools have additional special application requirements; see the specific course description in the relevant area of study material in the University’s Postgraduate Catalogue for further information.
Further study
On completion of the MA by Research you are eligible to proceed to a PhD or move into a graduate career requiring specialist research and analytical skills.
With the support of the thesis supervisor and Head of School, you may apply to convert to the PhD degree. Alternatively, you may apply for admission to the PhD after completion of the Masters degree.
Tuition fees
For 2008 tuition fees for Australian and international students, visit the University’s future students website:
Future students fee information
How to apply
Applications for the Masters by Research can be submitted throughout the year, through the Faculty’s Research and Graduate Office: Application details.
Other graduate programs
Arts graduate coursework programs
Further information
For more information contact the Faculty of Arts:
Faculty of Arts
The University of Melbourne
Email: arts-research@unimelb.edu.au
Telephone: +61 3 8344 9080
Fax: +61 3 9347 0424
Order a publication
You can download or request a publication to be sent to you via post through submitting an online request form.
Related links
University's Graduate Studies website