Become a thought leader in arts and culture.
Had a fantastic and interesting time at USC doing your Bachelor program? Just think of the possibilities of taking that learning a notch higher with a Higher Degree by Research.
- 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.
Had a fantastic and interesting time at USC doing your Bachelor program? Just think of the possibilities of taking that learning a notch higher with a Higher Degree by Research.
The Master’s program gives you the chance to delve into your specialisation and produce an original contribution in your industry or specialisation. In this program, you learn advanced research skills and enhance your ability to critically review literature and case studies.
Sharpen your faculties in problem solving and decision making in a rigorous environment for intellectual, professional and personal growth. The School of Social Science and School of Communication offer broad areas of study for you to choose from with highly qualified academic staff to supervise your research.
Research areas
The Faculty of Arts, Business and Law supports research in the following areas:
- Communication and media studies
- Creative arts
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Society and culture
- Environment and sustainability
- Management and business
- Law
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.
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
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, Business and Law.
- For further information, refer to the Higher Degrees by Research - Academic Policy.
- Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
- Refer to the research areas for the Faculty of Arts, Business and Law.
- 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.