Master of Arts (Thesis only)

The Master of Arts by research (thesis only) is a graduate research degree designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. 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 30,000-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:

• 30,000 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)

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; and
• 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 Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Master of Arts graduates may proceed to further research in a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

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