Master of Arts (Creative Writing) (Research/Creative)

The Masters degree is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in creative writing. It will be undertaken as 1/3 research and 2/3 creative writing and will normally take the form of a 20,000-word creative piece and a 10,000-word critical piece. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and originality in its creative work. It should make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research. The creative work and research work must be presented as an integrated, coherent whole. Candidates may advance to the Doctor of Philosophy degree after successful completion of the Masters or may apply to convert to the PhD at an earlier stage. An honours grade of at least H2B (70%) must be attained to qualify for the award of the Masters degree.

Course coordinator:
Kevin Brophy
School of Culture and Communication
Email: kevinjb@unimelb.edu.au

• have developed writing practices to a professional level;
• have developed and communicated a critical and theoretical understanding of what is involved in their own creative writing;
• have presented their work in a professional manner;
• have demonstrated advanced learning in research skills, with an informed understanding of the relationship between creative and critical writing.

Combination of Dissertation and Creative Work
The research thesis will take the form of two closely related parts:

• a creative writing component (approximately 20,000 words or agreed equivalent;
• and a dissertation (approximately 10,000 words).

The creative work and dissertation must be presented as an integrated, coherent whole. Students will work closely with their supervisor(s) to develop a coherent research project that fits these guidelines.

A four-year BA (Honours) degree with a research component or equivalent in the appropriate area of study or closely related area. The grade for the honours thesis component must be at least equivalent to an H2A (75%) at The University of Melbourne and the overall honours result must be at least equivalent to an H2B (70%).

Applicants must include with their application a thesis proposal of 600 words addressing both the dissertation and creative components and outlining the proposed structure of the thesis; and a sample of previous work (up to 5000 words), demonstrating both research-based critical writing and creative writing. The primary basis for selection is academic merit; however, consideration will also be given to the quality of the thesis proposal, research potential, and the availability of an appropriate supervisor. Two written academic references should be included with the application.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability