Master of Creative Arts

The Master of Creative Arts (Thesis only) aims to prepare graduates for positions of leadership in the creative arts as theorists and/or practitioners who bring a critical perspective to arts practice. Students may undertake research specialisations in creative writing, theatre studies, visual media and arts management. The thesis may consist of a dissertation only or may combine a dissertation with creative work. The creative work will be no more than 50% of the thesis. Candidates may apply to convert to a Doctor of Philosophy after the first year of full-time research.

Course coordinator:
Dr Denise Varney
School of Culture and Communication
Email: dvarney@unimelb.edu.au

Students who complete the masters will:

• produce a thesis or a combination of thesis and creative work through research which combines theory and practice in an area of visual media, theatre studies, creative writing or arts management;
• acquire the ability to lead debate about issues in the creative arts;
• demonstrate specialist knowledge of the candidate's chosen creative arts area;
• demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to research ethics as they relate to the creative arts;
• be able to undertake independent and sustained research at an advanced level in theoretical/ or creative areas.

The theoretical study will provide framework for the practical research undertaken, culminating in the submission of a written thesis of 30, 000 words or equivalent, 50% of which could be presented as an exhibition, performance or literary work. The practical work must relate to theoretical research. All candidates will participate in the School's research seminars

A four-year BCA (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 a thesis proposal of 600 words with their application. 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. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews to assess the applicant's ability, the proposed split between creative component and dissertation or to elucidate any of the matters referred to above. Academic references may be required to assess the applicant's eligibility.

Where applicants intend to submit a creative work as part of their thesis, documented evidence of publications, performances, exhibitions or relevant artistic projects may be required as evidence of the candidate's ability to work at an advanced level of skill.

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