Master of Arts in Gender Studies (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)

The masters program allows students to combine coursework with extensive independent research in gender studies. 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%) average must be attained in the respective thesis and advanced seminar components of the course to qualify for the award of the masters degree.

Students who complete the masters will:

• demonstrate a sound understanding of the main developments in past and contemporary theorising about gender relations;
• understand the issues involved in debates about feminist knowledge;
• demonstrate a capacity for articulating research questions relating to gender relations and the appropriate methodologies for investigating them;
• exhibit a familiarity with relevant literature and an ability to locate one's research within that literature;
• express research findings in lucid effective prose that uses appropriate conventions of documentation.

• Thesis 20,000-22,000 words
• 1 compulsory subject
• 1 elective subject

Students must consult the course coordinator to have their subject selection approved prior to enrolment at the Faculty Office. Applicants should note that they must satisfy any prerequisite as set, before being allowed to enroll in any subjects.

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. Academic references may be required to assess the applicant's eligibility.