Master of Arts (Australian Indigenous Studies)

Please note that MR-ARTSIS Master of Arts (Australian Indigenous Studies) will no longer be accepting new applications from 2014, this program specialisation from 2014 will be offered in the MR-ARTSTHS Master of Arts (Thesis only). Please refer to the correct handbook entry for program information for commencing students from 2014.

The Master of Arts (Australian Indigenous Studies) is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in Australian Indigenous Studies. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and provide 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, with support from the thesis supervisor and Head of School, candidates may apply to convert to the PhD at an earlier stage. The Masters candidate must receive a thesis grade of at least H3 (65%) or better to be eligible for the award of the degree.

The Master of Arts (Australian Indigenous Studies) enables students to achieve in-depth knowledge in the Australian Indigenous Studies discipline, excellence in writing and research skills, and to be critical, creative and independent thinkers. As a program that explores the cultures and history of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, students will be attuned to cultural diversity and emerge from their Masters degree with a high level of respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and values. This cultural awareness will extend into an ability to respect cultural diversity globally. Students will be flexible, critical and creative thinkers able to transfer their skills to employment in a number of fields, including the public service, education, legal and medical professions, the arts, cultural heritage preservation, and land and natural resource management.

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

Thesis of 30,000 words

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. Two written academic references should be included with the application.

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