Program summary

Program title: Master of Arts
Award abbreviation: MA
Degree type: higher degree by research
Study mode: internal, external
Duration: 1.5 years expected, 2 years maximum full-time; 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum part-time
Commence: students can apply and start throughout the year, subject to program requirements
Fee type 2011: domestic higher degree by research places, international fee-paying places
USC program code: AR801
CRICOS code: 026642G

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 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences 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.

Research areas

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences supports research in the following areas:

• Art and digital design
• Creative writing
• Education research
• Historical studies
• Journalism
• Political and international politics
• Psychology
• Social sciences

For more information, refer to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences research areas.

Admission requirements

Candidates for the award of Master of Arts are normally required to hold a bachelors 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.

International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency 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

1. Prospective applicants wishing to undertake a Master of Arts will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
2. For further information, refer to the Research Masters Degrees - Governing Policy.
3. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
4. Refer to the research areas for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
5. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
6. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Enrolment and fees

1. In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL. **
2. In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL. **
3. The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
4. Candidates pay full tuition fees. For selected students these fees are covered by the Research Training Scheme. These scholarships are allocated by faculties, in consultation with the Research Degrees Committee.

** EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Dr Peter Innes
Tel: +61 7 5459 4802
Fax: +61 7 5430 2880
Email: pinnes@usc.edu.au

Teaching and Research Services
Research Training Officer
Tel: +61 7 5459 4526
Fax: +61 7 5430 1177
Email: lkroker@usc.edu.au

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