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Monash University

Master of Visual Arts

Course code: 3108 ~ Course abbreviation: MVA ~ Total credit points required: 72 ~ 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Art and Design

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.

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.

Disciplines and modes of study* offered

  • Ceramics Caulfield
  • Drawing Caulfield, Gippsland
  • Glass Caulfield
  • Metals and jewellery Caulfield
  • Painting Caulfield, Gippsland
  • Photomedia Caulfield, Gippsland
  • Printmedia Caulfield, Gippsland
  • Sculpture Caulfield, Gippsland
  • Visual Arts Caulfield, Gippsland
  • Interdisciplinary studio projects will be considered on a case by case basis.

    * Disciplines offered at Caulfield are available for on-campus mode only; disciplines offered at Gippsland are available for both on-campus and off-campus mode.

Credit for prior studies

Up to 24 points of credit 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.

Course requirements

Full-time mode: three semesters

First year
Semester one
Semester two
Second year
Semester one

Part-time mode: six semesters

First year
Semester one
Semester two
  • MVA4021 Philosophies of the studio A
Second year
Semester 1
Semester 2
  • MVA4022 Philosophies of the studio B
Third year
Semester 1 and 2

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

Telephone +61 3 9903 1517, email enquiries@artdes.monash.edu.au or visit http://www.artdes.monash.edu.au.

Course coordinators

Dr Chris Headley (Caulfield), Mr Rodney Forbes (Gippsland and off-campus).