In the Master of Arts you develop research skills to facilitate problem-solving and decision-making. Depending on your topic of research, you will contribute to the body of knowledge in one or more of the broad areas of study in which the School of Social Sciences and the School of Communication specialises.
Completing the Master of Arts will foster your development of advanced research skills, and enhance your ability to critically review literature and case studies. It provides an environment for intellectual, professional and personal growth, and through this rigorous program you will develop high-level written and oral communication skills.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Completing the Master of Arts will foster your development of advanced research skills, and enhance your ability to critically review literature and case studies. It provides an environment for intellectual, professional and personal growth, and through this rigorous program you will develop high-level written and oral communication skills.
Research areas
The Faculty of Arts and Business supports research in the following areas:
- Accident research
- Art and digital design
- Climate change
- Coastal management
- Communication and media studies
- Counselling
- Creative writing
- Drama
- Geography
- Historical studies
- Indigenous studies
- Interactive technologies and games
- Internet media studies
- Journalism
- Law
- Natural resource management
- Planning
- Politics and international relations
- Psychology
- Public communication and promotion
- Social sciences
- Social work
- Sustainability
For more information, refer to the Faculty of Arts and Business research areas.
Admission requirements
To be eligible for admission to Master of Arts candidature, applicants are normally required to hold a bachelor degree with at least Honours Class 2 Division II from a recognised higher education institution.
Applicants who have completed a bachelors degree and have achieved by subsequent work and study a standard equivalent to at least Honours Class 2 Division II may also be considered.
In exceptional cases, applications may be considered on the basis of other evidence of general and professional qualifications as approved by the Research Degrees Committee.
Refer also to the University's English language requirements.
Enquiries
Office of Research
Research Training Administrator
Tel: +61 7 5456 5421
Fax: +61 7 5459 4727
Email: researchtraining@usc.edu.au
Program leader
Associate Professor Christian Jones
Tel: +61 7 5459 4849
Email: cmjones@usc.edu.au
Program structure
Program structure
As a candidate you are required to conduct research that can be written up as a scholarly thesis. You must demonstrate research competency and the ability to make a significant and original contribution to the body of knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation.
You must clearly articulate in your research outline, the topic, background, rationale, research question, aim and objectives, methodology, research methods and techniques, and timeframe.
Your research outline is to include a literature review that relates to the research question and objectives. The results of your research activities should be presented succinctly and accurately and as necessary could be supported by more detailed annexures.
Your syntheses analysis and discussion must clearly focus on the research question and the objectives of the work.
Conclusions and recommendations must be drawn from your analysis and discussion and reflect the attainment of the aim and the way in which the research question is addressed.
Program requirements and notes
- Prospective applicants wishing to undertake a Master of Arts will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the Faculty of Arts and Business.
- For further information, refer to the Research Master Degrees - Academic Policy.
- Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
- Refer to the research areas for the Faculty of Arts and Business.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Enrolment and fees
- Domestic candidates: Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are not required to pay tuition fees for the standard duration of their HDR program. The Australian Government's Research Training Scheme (RTS) covers the cost of HDR tuition fees for these candidates. Research Master degree candidates are entitled to a maximum of two years full-time equivalent study. Candidates who do not complete their degree within the maximum RTS allowable completion times may be required to pay fees for any additional periods of enrolment. Please refer to Higher Degree by Research fees.
- International candidates: tuition fees apply. Refer to International HDR tuition fees.
- In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL. *
- In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL. *
- The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
* EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.