Master of Arts in English Language and Literature (Thesis)

The masters degree is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in English language and literature. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research. 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.

• produce a research thesis on a topic of their own choice, and demonstrate capacity for independent research;
• acquire the ability to mount a sustained scholarly argument;
• display mastery of scholarship in their chosen field;
• gain familiarity with appropriate methods in literary analysis and research.

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 2,000 to 2,500 word thesis proposal and a writing sample (this may be an essay from your previous degree, a chapter from your Honours or Masters thesis or a published article). 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.