Master of Arts (Research)

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A research degree is a unique opportunity to develop new skills, problem-solving abilities, and think logically, creatively and critically. You will be supported by a large community of academic staff with experience conducting research projects, presenting papers to international conferences and publishing academic journal articles and books.

You will expand and develop specialist knowledge in the field of education and provide evidence of independent thought and the ability to manage a research project. You will improve your career progression with professional skills that will make you competitive in your field and make a valuable contribution to new knowledge.

Course Essentials

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications for this course.

Already a VU student?

You can transfer into this course through our internal transfer process.

For more info contact the
College of Arts

Careers

Career opportunities include:

  • management-level positions in industry or government
  • research in government laboratories, research institutions or in industry
  • commissioning editor for a specialist academic journal
  • presenting at conferences
  • employment with a university conducting research
  • visiting key international research institutes

Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.

Course Objectives

The School of Communications and the Arts (CATA), offers supervision for Masters programs in many areas. Some examples are: Asian Studies; Australian Literature and Literary Theory; Poetry; Communication Studies; Visual Art; Creative and Professional Writing; Performance Studies; Cultural Studies; Music; History; Literary Studies; Media and Cultural Studies; Multimedia; Gender Studies; Digital Media; Music and Musicology; Spanish and Latin American Studies.

Units and electives

The Master of Arts (Research) requires the equivalent of two years full-time study, and completion of a research thesis of 30,000-60,000 words. Students work under the supervision of a principal supervisor and co-supervisor with expertise in their area of research. It is expected that many Masters by Research students will undertake approved concurrent coursework units of study to enhance their knowledge and understanding of their area of research.

Students may undertake also an appropriate research unit, normally in the first semester of study.

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take, and optional 'elective' units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admission Information

  • Mature: To be eligible for admission to the Master of Arts (Research), applicants should have completed a four-year undergraduate degree with Honours, or have attained results at Distinction level or higher in a three-year undergraduate degree, and have other relevant experience. Potential students should make initial contact with the Postgraduate Coordinator in the School of Communication and the Arts, to discuss their proposed area of research, the availability of suitable supervision, facilities and/or support required, and the application process. Students are required to complete a detailed candidature proposal, outlining their proposed research project, during the first six-months of full-time enrolment (12 months for part-time students), and to present their proposal to a candidature panel. Students are fully admitted to candidature for the degree once their proposal is approved.

Special admission requirements

As above.

English language requirements

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Admission requirements in your country

Find out if you meet the minimum academic (international qualification) requirements to be eligible to apply for this course by reviewing the academic entry requirements listed by country.

How to apply for this course

Apply online

If you have questions about your application, you can:

Get in touch

Contact us to discuss your course options:

Ring us on +61 3 9919 1164

Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students starting the course in 2013. Fees are subject to approval and may change. In some courses students must buy equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above and we recommend you seek advice from the relevant faculty.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.