Master of Arts in Social Theory (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)

The masters program allows students to combine coursework with extensive independent research in social theory. 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%) average must be attained in the respective thesis and advanced seminar components of the course to qualify for the award of the masters degree.

Students who complete the masters will:

• demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of at least one significant tradition in social theory;
• acquire knowledge of some major contemporary debates regarding their subject area;
• demonstrate a critical engagement with theoretical and substantive literature in their areas of study;
• establish a basis for further postgraduate research.

Please note that 102KH Master of Arts in Social Theory (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis) will no longer be accepting new applications from 2014, this program specialisation from 2014 will be offered in the MR-ARTSAST Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar & Shorter Thesis). Please refer to the correct handbook entry for program information for commencing students from 2014.

• Thesis 20,000-22,000 words
• 2 elective subjects (25 points in total)

Thesis subjects

Elective subject

Candidates may substitute one of their electives with a subject offered by another department, with the prior approval of the course coordinator. Only Fifth Year subjects can be selected. No student may repeat a unit undertaken as part of an Honours or MA Preliminary course.

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