Master of Arts (Theatre Studies)

The masters degree is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in theatre 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 apply to submit up to 50% of the thesis as a creative work. In this case, the thesis is submitted in two parts: a written dissertation, minimum 15,000 words and a creative work (usually a written playscript or a live performance) that is equivalent of up to 15,000 words.

Students who complete the masters will:

• be able to conduct advanced level critical analysis and interpretation of text and performance that incorporates literary, semiotic, historical and theoretical studies;
• appreciate the critical and creative dimensions of theatre and performance;
• demonstrate advanced level understanding of key thinkers and practitioners in theatre and theatre theory and criticism;
• recognise and explain textual and performative strategies to do with genre and theatricality; and
• appreciate and/or demonstrate advanced level creative practice.

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

The Master of Arts in Theatre Studies is available in two forms:

1. Thesis of 30,000 words
2. Combined dissertation and creative work (not more than 50% of thesis; example, a dissertation of 15,000 words plus equivalent creative work)

The creative work and dissertation must be presented as a coherent whole. Students will work closely with their supervisor(s) to develop a coherent research project that fits these guidelines.

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. Two written academic references should be included with the application.

Applicants who intend to undertake a combined dissertation and creative work masters must demonstrate prior creative practice at a level deemed by the University to be an equivalent of fourth year honours.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Please refer to the University Graduate Attributes: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/attributes.html