Master of Arts and Community Practice

This two-year full-time (or four-year part-time) Masters coursework program in Arts and Community Practice provides an intensive learning experience for artists and community practitioners to examine forms and methods of cultural development, art and social practice, and community arts. Students will be immersed in situated collaborative practices, critical debates and creative independent research with faculty supervision. Students will deepen and extend their practices as artists, community workers, policy makers, or creative producers - making international connections, as well as preparing for future research. The course has multiple modes of delivery (classroom, online, and fieldwork) and an elective structure, which includes a low-residency option for students based outside of Melbourne.

• Demonstrate an ability to engage with and integrate a range of theories, histories, and practices in contemporary arts, cultural development and community practice;
• Understand and employ range of methods and values in arts and community practice including conceptual, artistic, and local forms of knowledge;
• Display the ability for critical discourse through confident critical writing, presentation skills and creative practice;
• Exhibit the capacity to develop and realise a collaborative project in a community context by utilizing analytical skills to engage with diverse stakeholders, sites and social contexts.

Qualification for the 200 point award requires completion of all core subjects listed below for Year One (100 points), and a choice of elective subjects in Year Two (100 points).

YEAR ONE

YEAR TWO

Choose 100 points from the following electives:

Completion of an undergraduate degree with a major relevant to arts and community practice or equivalent; or 


An undergraduate degree in any discipline together with at least two years of documented relevant work experience related to arts and community practice; or 


At least five years of relevant work experience related to arts and community practice, together with evidence of ability in academic or industry writing and/or research and scholarship appropriate for postgraduate study. 


Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

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

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

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 Arts and Community Practice. 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 Arts and Community Practice or the Graduate Diploma in Arts and Community Practice as an exit award.

Communication: Students must be able to participate in and produce presentations, 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 in arts and community practice. They are also expected to have the ability to develop critical thinking and 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 arts and community theories, philosophies, histories and practices;
• confidently articulate their professional practice through both written and oral methods;
• apply creative and critical skills to problem solve and communicate ideas