Master of Arts in Criminology (Thesis)

The masters degree is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in criminology. 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 advanced understanding of theories of crime, deviance and social control;
• acquire specialised skills in research including ability to summarise and critically assess and develop sophisticated theory and to collect and analyse large amounts of quantitative and/or qualitative data;
• independently plan and execute a major original research project, and the ability to present sophisticated and complex arguments and ideas in systematic and coherent ways;
• emerge with an advanced understanding of relevant cultural, policy and political issues;
• confidence in their capacity to undertake PhD and other advanced research.

Thesis 30,000 words

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 assess the applicant's eligibility.

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

Candidates must submit an outline of their project of 2000-3000 words after six months of full-time candidature and an annual report of 1000 words on their research.

Candidates must also give a formal presentation in one of the following ways:

• a twenty-minute paper on their topic at a Departmental seminar;
• thesis-related material as part of a formal lecture for criminology or a related subject;
• a paper at an academic conference.