Master of Arts (Screen Studies)

The masters degree is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in cinema 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 H3 (65%) must be attained to qualify for the award of the masters degree.

Students who complete the masters will develop:

• a knowledge of modern critical frameworks for the study of film and new media;
• the ability to analyse primary historical and contemporary source material;
• an understanding of the critical reception of works of art, such as film;
• the ability to prepare an original piece of research;
• the ability to develop and sustain an argument based upon that research; and
• the ability to develop a knowledge and understanding of research techniques.

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / 3 years part-time

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

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 2,500 words 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 asses the applicant's eligibility.