Monash University: University handbooks: Postgraduate handbook: Units indexed by faculty
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Master of Visual Arts

Course code: 3108 + Course abbreviation: MVA + Total credit points required: 72 + 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Caulfield; Gippsland)
Off-campus (Gippsland)

Course description

This coursework masters degree provides critical guidance in contemporary visual arts philosophies and is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in fine or visual arts looking to further develop their studio practice. It offers the flexibility of both on-campus and off-campus study, and attracts artists wishing to work from their own studio.

The program asks students to relate their own practice to historical and 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 an outline of the opportunities for artistic integrity 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.

Disciplines and modes of study offered

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

Course structure

The course consists of three studio units and two units of contextual, critical or theoretical studies to complement and support their studio work, with a total of 72 points:

Full-time mode: three semesters

First year

Semester one

• MVA4001 Studio discipline A
• MVA4021 Philosophies of the studio A

Semester two

• MVA4002 Studio discipline B
• MVA4022 Philosophies of the studio B

Second year

Semester one

• MVA5001 Studio project

Part-time mode: six semesters

First year

Semester one

• MVA4001 Studio discipline A

Semester two

• MVA4021 Philosophies of the studio A

Second year

Semester 1

• MVA4002 Studio discipline B

Semester 2

• MVA4022 Philosophies of the studio B

Third year

Semester 1 and 2

• MVA5001 Studio project

Assessment

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.

Exit points

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

Contact details

Course coordinators

Dr Dan Wollmering (Caulfield), Ms Julie Adams (Gippsland and off-campus)

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