Master of Contemporary Art

The Master of Contemporary Art is a professional degree that serves as a bridge between undergraduate study and independent art practice, as a “refresher” program for artists who have been away from formal study, or as an entry point to tertiary education for mature artists who lack formal qualifications but have significant professional experience. It can also serve as an alternative route to study for a higher research degree including for those of recognised ability but who have been unable to complete an honours year.

Students in consultation with their academic advisor prepare an individual study proposal appropriate to their studio practice. The program should provide a conceptual framework for development and incorporate a study plan for acquisition of the skills necessary to realise the projected work, which is the capstone experience of the course, culminating in the Masters Exhibition. Students are encouraged to employ speculation and technical experimentation as learning strategies.

Guidance and assistance is provided through individual and group tutorials. Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor who is responsible for oversight of the student's progress. Individual tutorials provide the opportunity for one-to-one critical discussion with staff regarding the formal, conceptual, personal or expressive bases of the student's work and its realisation.

Group tutorials encourage critical discussion and debate in a peer group situation where the individual's work provides the starting point for consideration of a range of issues surrounding contemporary art practice.

This course will enable students to develop and refine their ability to:
• manipulate and manage the materials and processes involved in the chosen visual art medium;
• express ideas and personal concerns through the chosen visual art medium;
• gather and synthesise information and other resources in the service of a personal art practice;
• discuss contemporary art practice and its personal, professional and social context.

Qualification for the award requires completion of all subjects listed below.

Master of Contemporary Art

Admission requirements
An undergraduate degree and/or an Honours degree in a relevant discipline and/or the Graduate Certificate in Visual Art, with at least H2B (70%) in the major; or documented, relevant professional experience, along with an interview and folio presentation. A supplementary application form is additionally required to be completed. Credit is available to those who meet the criteria as per the University’s Advanced Standing Policy.

Selection mode
All applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Short listed applicants will be invited to an interview during which they also present their folio. Interviews are normally held in the period October to December. The date and time of the interview will be notified in writing. The interview will be of between 20 and 30 minutes duration, and will be conducted by a panel of 3 to 5 people. The purpose of the interview is to discuss the application and view the folio.

Extra requirements for all local and international applicants
A full curriculum vitae detailing all relevant professional experience – exhibitions, awards, commissions, publications, etc.
List the names of any academic staff at VCA School of Art with whom application has been discussed.
A study proposal outlining the project and work program including aims and objectives and technical requirements (approximately 500 words).
A folio consisting of, or documenting recent work relevant to the study proposal, a maximum of 15 jpeg images or 8 minutes of video (DVD format).

Communication: Students must be able to participate in and produce performances and exhibitions as required; they will also need to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms. Communication with fellow students, professional and academic staff, and the wider public about their knowledge and application of practising Arts disciplines is essential.

Creative, Intellectual and Organisational Abilities: Students require the capacity for high-level creative performance or production. They are also expected to have the ability to develop problem-solving skills and to comprehend disciplinary and cross-disciplinary information. Students must have the ability to establish study plans and prioritise training objectives and outcomes.

Behavioural and Social Attributes: Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. They must take full responsibility for their own participation and learning. Students also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative environments and must therefore demonstrate a wide range of interpersonal skills which consider the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Disability: Students who have a disability which may prevent them from participating in tasks involving these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability; however, students will need to participate in the course in an independent manner.

http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/attributes.html

On completion of this course students will be able to:
• plan and organise their own studio work and utilise time effectively to suit the demands of their developing methodologies;
• analyse historical and contemporary art methodologies relevant to their practical work;
• investigate through experiment, areas of practical relevance from a wide range of historical and contemporary sources;
• demonstrate developing knowledge of contemporary art practice, including skills and techniques relevant to their developing practice;
• communicate verbally opinions, ideas and observations with regard to their work and the work of others, in group and individual teaching and learning situations.