Master of Arts

Enrolment in a master's degree involves the independent investigation of a research problem that has been formulated by the student. It is expected that the research undertaken will make a contribution to the discipline in which the student is enrolled by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting that knowledge. Students are supported by a minimum of two supervisors throughout their enrolment.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Successful completion of the degree will signify that the student has successfully completed a course of research training under proper academic supervision and has submitted a thesis (or equivalent) that the examiners are satisfied makes a contribution to knowledge and understanding in the field.

Conditions of enrolment

Students are to refer to the Handbook for Research Master's DegreesHandbook for Research Master's Degrees (http://www.monash.edu/migr/research-degrees/handbook/masters) for all policies and procedures relating to their enrolment.

This course consists of a research and thesis (or equivalent) component.

Students must, in consultation with and under the direct supervision of a member/s of the academic staff:

(1.) carry out a program of research on an agreed topic approved by the school of enrolment in the student's chosen discipline for a specified period, including attending and/or presenting at seminars and other related activities as indicated by the relevant discipline

(2.) submit for assessment a thesis of not more than 40,000 words (or equivalent) on the program of research which meets the requirements of the examiners. Submission of the thesis based or partially based on conjointly published or unpublished work may be permitted.

In the following specialisations, non-traditional research outputs are to be submitted in lieu of a thesis:

(a.) Creative Writing - a piece of creative writing of not more than 25,000 words with an accompanying exegesis of not more than 15,000 words.

(b.) Music Composition - a folio of music compositions with a minimum playing time of 45 minutes with an accompanying exegesis of not more than 15,000 words.

(c.) Music Performance:

• Option A: 90-minute creative portfolio of musical works and 7,000 - 9,000 word written research report
• Option B: 60-minute creative portfolio of musical works and 15,000 - 18,000 word exegesis

(d.) Theatre Performance - a performance project of a minimum of 60 minutes with an accompanying exegesis of not more than 15,000 words.

(3.) if undertaking research in philosophy, complete the activities outlined for the following program:

• Philosophy research masters programPhilosophy research masters program (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/aos/philosophy-research-masters-program/index.html).

Students are required to undertake regular progress milestones to support them in conducting research of an appropriate quality, originality and depth as required by their course of study, in accordance with the Graduate Research Progress Management policyGraduate Research Progress Management policy (http://policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/research/mrgs/grad-research-progress-mgmt-policy.html) and supporting procedures.

Research topics are available in most of the faculty's areas of research strength, depending on supervision and resource availability. For more detail refer to the faculty's postgraduate areas of studyareas of study (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2015handbooks/aos/index-byfaculty-arts.html) in the Handbook or visit the Arts ResearchArts Research (http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/research/) website.