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.

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.

Major Thesis of 30,000 words (100 points per year)

The thesis can be submitted as a 30,000 word dissertation or as a combined dissertation and creative work (up to 50%). Theoretical research will provide the framework for both the dissertation only option and the thesis by dissertation and creative work. The full written thesis will be 30,000 words and for the combined dissertation and creative work up to 50% may be presented as an exhibition, performance, creative writing or film. The thesis by combined dissertation and creative work will have one title that describes both parts.

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 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. 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.

Students who complete this masters may be eligilble for admission to a PhD.