Monash University: University Handbooks: Postgraduate Handbook 2002: Units indexed by faculty
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Master of Visual Arts


General information

Course code: 3108 + Caulfield campus, Gippsland campus + Off-campus + One-and-a-half years full-time, three years part-time
This coursework masters degree provides critical guidance in contemporary visual arts philosophies. It is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in art or design looking to develop their studio practice. The course program asks students to relate their own practice to historical or contemporary discourse. It encourages a relationship between technical excellence in the studio and the conceptual aspirations of the discipline. Students are exposed to a critical review of their work in a supportive environment.
The aim of the course is the cultivation of methodologies for independent work. All studio units commence with a proposal, an argued outline and the means for achieving this. Students' studio work is then exposed to critical reflection and testing. The theoretical units support the student in carrying out this work with a level of methodological sophistication.
The course consists of three studio units:

Students are also required to take two units of contextual, critical or theoretical studies to complement and support their studio work. These units are chosen with the advice and approval of the course coordinator and take into consideration knowledge gaps and identified needs of individual students. Some example units are listed below:

Several assessment methods are used during the course, including written assignments, submission of studio work and seminar presentations. Some units will be assessed by a panel.

Admission requirements

Applicants should hold a three-year pass degree in art or design from Monash University or an equivalent qualification from another tertiary institute or university approved by the faculty. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a high level of capability in their chosen studio discipline. Applications should be accompanied by 10 -- 15 slides or photographic prints of recent original work, clearly numbered with a corresponding list of details attached.

Advanced standing

Up to 24 credit points may be granted for successful completion of a further year of art or design studies beyond the pass degree.

Exit points

Students enrol in the Master of Visual Arts. The program can be exited after one or two semesters of full-time study or the equivalent. Students exiting after successfully completing one semester's study (24 credit points) take out the Graduate Certificate in Visual Arts. Students exiting after successfully completing two semesters' study (48 points) take out the Graduate Diploma of Visual Arts.

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