Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar & Shorter Thesis)

The Master of Arts by Research (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) is a graduate research degree designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. The program also includes 25 point of coursework subjects. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and skills in a chosen area of study and make an original contribution to the discipline.

Students who complete the masters will:

• produce a 20,000 to 22,000-word thesis on a research project;
• demonstrate an ability to present, argue and demonstrate a coherent hypothesis on an issue in the specialisation, supported by research and analysis;
• demonstrate aptitude for original research at a higher degree level in the future.

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

Students are required to complete the following:

• 25 points of coursework subject/s
• 20,000 to 22,000 word thesis

Please note: student are required to enrol into the minor thesis subject (as per their specialisation) for 3 semesters full time (or part time equivalent)

Specialisations

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must:

• have completed within the last 10 years a four-year degree in a cognate discipline with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent; and
• at least 25% of their final year of the degree comprising a research project, component, subject or group of subjects on which they were assessed individually with at least an H2A (75%) weighted average;

or

• have completed within the last 10 years a qualification and professional experience deemed to be equivalent;

and

• a research proposal; and
• a writing sample (5,000 words); and
• referee reports (except for applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years); and
• an interview.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the selection committee will consider:

• prior academic performance and, if relevant, professional experience;
• understanding of the research question to be explored;
• the interview;
• motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner;
• prior research and/or professional experience;
• the writing sample;
• referee reports.

3. The selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission into Graduate Research Courses Policy.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 7.

For the purposes of considering request 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/

Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) graduates may proceed to further research in a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

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