Master of Community Cultural Development

The Master of Community Cultural Development is a 2 year degree. The student will be immersed in the practice and theory of community arts and social practice. Units will focus on the theory and history of CCD in Australia and globally, the role of research in CCD, Government arts and culture policy, partnership brokering, and the development of their own practice. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on the reflexivity of practice and to write a minor thesis on a topic of their choice.

Community Cultural Development is the intersection between the arts and community based practices. Applicants into the CCD program at the VCA and Music come from several areas. First they are current CCD practitioners wishing to further their intellectual and critical engagement with the practice. Others come from fields related to CCD such as the arts or humanities who desire to share their knowledge within the global community. There is also a growing cohort of both interstate and international students who recognise the CCD program at the VCA and MUSIC as leading the world in critical enquiry in the field. Students in the course already have a strong commitment to cultural diversity and social and civic responsibility. The course provides an opportunity to blend those beliefs with critical enquiry. The MCCD graduate will be able to engage in high levels of scholarship and research, and develop the future direction of the practice. They will both lead the field of community engaged arts and understand the need to be responsive to leaders within communities and cross cultural contexts. CCD is a practice that values cultural diversity and community understanding. Graduates will further develop their capacity for leadership within diverse cultural contexts, rights discourse and community sustainability.

Qualification for the award requires completion of all subjects listed below.

Master of Community Cultural Development

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• one of
– an undergraduate degree with a major relevant to community cultural development or equivalent, or
• an undergraduate degree in any discipline together with at least two years of documented relevant work experience related to community cultural development, or
• at least five years of documented relevant work experience related to community cultural development, together with evidence of ability in academic writing and research or scholarship appropriate for postgraduate study;
and
• an interview.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance and/or work experience; and
• the interview.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Student Application and Selection Procedure.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Note: A performance hurdle of a weighted average mark of 65% (H3) over the first 100 points applies for continuation of enrolment in the Master of Community Cultural Development. Enrolled students who do not meet this hurdle requirement but have successfully completed sufficient subjects are eligible to receive one of the Graduate Certificate in Community Cultural Development or the Graduate Diploma in Community Cultural Development as an exit award.

Communication: Students must be able to participate in and produce performances and exhibitions as required; they will also need to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms. Communication with fellow students, professional and academic staff, and the wider public about their knowledge and application of practising Arts disciplines is essential.

Creative, Intellectual and Organisational Abilities: Students require the capacity for high-level creative performance or production. They are also expected to have the ability to develop problem-solving skills and to comprehend disciplinary and cross-disciplinary information. Students must have the ability to establish study plans and prioritise training objectives and outcomes.

Behavioural and Social Attributes: Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. They must take full responsibility for their own participation and learning. Students also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative environments and must therefore demonstrate a wide range of interpersonal skills which consider the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Disability: Students who have a disability which may prevent them from participating in tasks involving these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability; however, students will need to participate in the course in an independent manner.

On completion of this course students will:
• demonstrate an understanding of community cultural development theory, philosophy, history and practice;
• confidently articulate their professional practice through both written and oral methods;
• apply creative and innovative skills to problem solve within the broader practice;
• demonstrate research principles and methods pertinent to CCD practice;
• present a developed knowledge of the creative processes within community based arts practice;
• express community cultural development theory and practice in an accessible form at community level;
• demonstrate leadership and mentoring skills.