Head: Dr John Gregory
Graduate coordinator: Associate Professor Conrad Hamann
The discipline of visual arts includes both historical and critical studies in art history and theory (including architecture) and film and television studies. No graduate instruction or program is offered in any practical subjects. The department offers graduate studies in the following areas:
The Department of Visual Arts offers the following research programs:
The department offers the following coursework programs:
Leigh Astbury Australian art in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
John Gregory Medieval art and architecture; Renaissance art, especially in Siena; baroque art, especially in Italy and the Netherlands.
Conrad Hamann Nineteenth and twentieth-century architecture, with special reference to American and Australian.
David Hanan Film studies, with particular reference to film form, European and Asian cinema, and the psychology of the film experience.
Anne Marsh Performance art, photography, feminism, psychoanalytic theory and museum studies.
Leonie Naughton Contemporary film theory, psychoanalysis and the cinema, feminist film theory, popular film culture and contemporary German film.
Annette Van den Bosch Twentieth-century art in Europe, North America and Australia; women's art history; international art since 1960; the sociology of art and the art market; Australian cultural studies; feminist theory and critical theory, and arts and cultural policy in Australia and North America.
Constantine Verevis Repetition-theories and practices; forms of (film) criticism and interpretation; New Hollywood cinema as industrial, cultural and textual form; cinema remakes and sequels; Japanese fiction and film.
Deane Williams Contemporary film theory, documentary film theory, Australian film history, Australian film and television.
Course code: 0020
Course fee: Local students HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
The degree of PhD in visual arts is taken by the submission of a thesis (the normal length is 60,000-90,000 words), on a topic approved by the candidate and the head of the department, at the end of a period of supervised study and research. The candidate will be supervised during this study and research by staff appointed with the agreement of both the candidate and the department. Candidates are expected to consult their supervisor regularly and to maintain the momentum of their thesis research.
There are three paths of entry to the PhD. Candidates must have obtained one of the following:
(i) a Visual arts honours degree with a grade of first class honours or second class honours division A;
(ii) a Master of Arts with an equivalent grading;
(iii) a Masters Qualifying with a research component to an equivalent grading.
Course code: 0017
Course fee: Local students HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
The Master of Arts in visual arts by research is designed as the basic degree for students wishing to undertake advanced and extensive research in an area of the visual arts, and who are wishing to familiarise themselves with major areas of theory and critical debate in the visual arts. Students normally undertake substantial work in one of the research areas familiar to visual arts staff (see beginning of visual arts entry), and normally prepare a thesis of 40,000-60,000 words length, or undertake a combination of coursework and research as approved by the head of department. The thesis is on an area agreed between the student and the department and is supervised by staff appointed with the agreement of both the candidate and the department. Candidates are expected to consult their supervisor regularly and to maintain the momentum of their thesis research. The degree involves one year study full-time or two years part-time.
There are two paths of entry to the Master of Arts by research. Candidates must have obtained one of the following:
(i) a visual arts honours degree with grade of first class honours or second class honours division A;
(ii) a Masters Qualifying with a research component, to an equivalent grading.
Course code: 0017
Course fee: Local students HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
This course is intended for students with a strong interest in research who wish to give their study a clear Australian focus. Candidates undertake the MA in Australian art by research by completing a thesis, normally of 25,000-35,000 words in length, and by taking two fifth-year subjects worth eight points each from the schedule set out in the course structure below. The degree familiarises students with the major theoretical areas in Australian art and with a significant area of Australian art history through their research. The research emphasis can cover areas of painting, sculpture, architecture, urbanism and urban imagery, photography, performance and art in multimedia, film or television. The degree normally involves one year study full-time or two years study part-time.
On successful completion of the course students should be able to position a major area of investigation within the context of Australian art history and criticism and be competent in the methodology of research, its arguments and presentation.
There are three paths into the Masters in Australian art by research. Candidates must have obtained one of the following:
(i) a visual arts honours degree with a grade of first class honours or second class honours, division A;
(ii) a Masters Qualifying in visual arts with research component, to an equivalent grade;
(iii) an honours degree in a related discipline to an equivalent grade, on the approval of the head of department.
(i) A thesis of 25,000-35,000 words in area agreed to by the candidate and the department, and supervised by staff appointed by agreement with both the candidate and the department. Candidates are expected to consult their supervisor regularly and to maintain the momentum of their thesis research.
(ii) Two fifth-year elective subjects worth eight points each, from the schedule set out below. These should not include subjects taken in the Masters Qualifying year, the postgraduate diploma or the honours year.
* Offered subject to approval.
Course code: 0017Course fee: Local students HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
Coordinator: Anne Marsh
The MA in gallery and museum studies is intended to provide students with the skills to respond to an increasingly complex museum and cultural policy environment at both a state and national level as they relate to the visual arts. Both theoretical and practical skills are emphasised. The focus of the course is primarily Australian, but extensive reference is also made to overseas exhibitions, practice and critical discourse. Candidates undertake the MA in Australian art by research by completing a thesis, normally of 25,000-35,000 words in length, and by taking two fifth-year subjects worth eight points each from the schedule set out in the course structure below. Note that the Master of Arts in gallery and museum studies is a new course which replaces the Master of Arts in museums and cultural policy. Those students continuing in the old program may take subjects listed at point values appropriate to the old structure.
After successful completion of the course students should be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of modern art museums and the curating and interpretation of visual material in museum and gallery collections. They will also be able to participate in debate over policy direction at a state and national level and show an understanding of the main government and community issues related to collecting and exhibiting institutions and cultural policies. Students undertaking the MA by research should also demonstrate a capacity to conduct original research into salient issues relating to museum studies and cultural policy.
There are four paths into the Master of Arts in gallery and museum studies by research. Candidates must have completed one of the following:
(i) a Bachelor of Arts honours degree with an overall grade of second class honours, division A or higher;
(ii) the Masters Qualifying by coursework with an overall grading at credit level or higher;
(iii) the Postgraduate Diploma in Visual Arts with an overall grading at credit level or higher;
(iv) an honours degree, Masters Qualifying by coursework, or graduate or postgraduate diploma in a discipline related to visual arts, with an overall grading of credit or second class honours division A or higher, with the approval of the head of department.
(i) A thesis of 25,000-35,000 words in an area agreed to by the candidate and the department, and supervised by staff appointed by agreement with both the candidate and the department. Candidates are expected to consult their supervisor regularly and to maintain the momentum of their thesis research.
(ii) VAM5021 (Beyond the museum: institutions and insurrections) and (VAM5023 Museum practice and research, each worth eight points).
Those students who have already undertaken VAM4021 (Beyond the museum: institutions and insurrections) and/or VAM4023 (Museum practice and research) as part of the MA qualifying year may take two alternative subjects, each worth eight points, from the list of elective subjects set out below.
Students not possessing a degree in visual arts at honours to the appropriate grade, and wishing to enter either the PhD or the masters research programs, normally undertake the equivalent of a year's full-time study in the Masters Qualifying with a research component.
* Offered subject to approval.
Program code: 1988Program fee: Local students HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
Program director: Deane Williams
This program is intended to offer advanced studies in both nineteenth and twentieth-century art and architecture and to provide students, should they also choose, with the opportunity for work in gallery and museum studies and in Australian film history. It is addressed to students returning to study after either professional work or a period away from the university, who are intending to pursue research in the visual arts or who wish to bring themselves up to date with recent developments in the discipline and subject areas of the visual arts, and who wish to develop a major research initiative in specialised areas. Students undertaking the program will pursue study in the nature of the visual arts and the disciplines and construction of art history and criticism. They will undertake detailed elective study by coursework in an area of the visual arts and pursue skills in research technique, writing and argument. The research component will introduce these skills to students at a larger scale and is intended to provide a bridge between their previous scale of essay work and the requirements of a large research project at graduate level. The Masters Qualifying program is one year's study full-time and two years' study part-time.
Students successfully completing the Masters Qualifying (at an average of at least credit or second class honours division B) may apply to proceed directly into the Master of Arts in Australian art by coursework or the Master of Arts in gallery and museum studies by coursework. Successful completion of the program is also a means of entry to the Master of Arts by research, or to the PhD, and to either the Master of Arts in Australian art by research or the Master of Arts in gallery and museum Studies by research -- if a student's consistent grading for the Masters Qualifying is the equivalent of a distinction or a second class honours degree, division A.
The program comprises three subjects and a research project. Successful completion will normally be at distinction level, and on completion, students should have demonstrated an ability to conduct independent research, to undertake a range of independent inquiry and reading. The program is intended to give students substantial experience in the presentation and process of arguments and evidence in visuality, an understanding of different theory, methodologies and perspectives in the writing and articulation of art history and criticism, or in film and television studies. Students should gain familiarity with both seminar and supervision discussion, and an understanding of the needs of both processes.
There are three paths of entry into the Masters Qualifying with research component. Candidates must have obtained one of the following:
(i) A Bachelor of Arts pass degree incorporating a major sequence in visual arts, or its equivalent to the approval of the head of department, with credit gradings in subjects completed for this major sequence at third-year level, if completed before or during 1996. If completed during 1997, the department will normally expect results of credit level or above at third year. In addition the department will consider special admission for those who possess a bachelors degree in another discipline or who have completed a single major outside of the visual arts.
(ii) A degree in practical areas of art, architecture, photography or film and video training that includes a significant sequence, normally three years with at least credits in one or more of art, architectural, film or television theory, art or architectural history and criticism, or in media studies with an emphasis on theory training. Students holding these qualifications should have significant experience in the scholarship and curating of art galleries or of museums with a significant art or media involvement.
(iii) A degree in another discipline with credit grades in the third year of a major sequence, coupled with significant experience in research, criticism, history, curating or administration of the visual arts.
Note that students who have completed relevant subjects at fourth-year level with grades of credit or above in visual arts or a cognate discipline may apply for a maximum of 50 per cent credit at the time of their application for entry into the program. Applications will be considered by both the department and the faculty.
The program requires completion of components totalling forty-eight points. The components are:
(a) at least one twelve-point methodology subject chosen from the following
* Denotes a subject which is also available at undergraduate level. Only one out of the three coursework units chosen can come from this range.
One of these twelve-point subjects may be taken in a related discipline other than visual arts, with the approval of the heads of departments of the related discipline and visual arts.Pre-1998 students enrolled in part one of the Master of Arts program should follow the course structure outlined in the 1997 Arts graduate handbook, however, for 1998 subject choice they may choose from the fourth year VAM subjects.
Course code: 0017
Course fee: Local students HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
Coordinator: Leigh Astbury
The degree is entirely by coursework, which is designed to offer advanced studies in both nineteenth and twentieth-century Australian art and architecture and is addressed to students seeking an overview of Australian studies in the visual arts. Students normally develop a research initiative, undertaking a research essay to the value of twelve points. The degree consists of one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. Students will complete four twelve-point subjects to a total credit of forty-eight points.
Upon completion of the Master of Arts by coursework students should have engaged with a range of methodological approaches to the study of Australian art and film; undertaken some original research, involving primary consultation of artefacts and relevant archival material; laid a firm basis for further postgraduate study and research.
There are five paths into the program. Candidates must have completed one of the following:
(i) a Bachelor of Arts honours degree with an overall grade of second class honours division B or higher;
(ii) the Masters Qualifying by coursework with an overall grading at credit level or higher;
(iii) the Postgraduate Diploma in Visual Arts with an overall grading at credit level or higher, and a statement listing relevant publications, if any, senior level community service in a visual arts area and other relevant qualifications;
(iv) an honours degree, Masters Qualifying by coursework, or postgraduate diploma in a discipline related to visual arts, with an overall grading of credit or second class honours division B or higher;
(v) a bachelors degree in a relevant discipline with credit grades or higher in the third part of the major or in the last year of the degree, plus a minimum of three years of experience at a senior level directly relevant to the visual arts or to an area of media production. Evidence for this must accompany a candidate's application for entry. In addition candidates must supply (a) two references, commenting of the nature and extent of the experience; (b) a full CV; (c) a statement of up to 1000 words on the applicant's career objectives and reasons for applying for entry.
Students who have not completed a recognised honours degree are required to take VAM5000 (Visual arts research essay), plus three other subjects from the Australian art subjects listed below. Students who have completed an honours program may choose four subjects from the following list:
* Offered subject to approval.
Course code: 0017Course fee: Local students HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
Coordinator: Anne Marsh
The MA in gallery and museum studies is intended to provide students with the skills obtained through coursework to respond to an increasingly complex art museum and cultural policy environment at both a state and national level. Both theoretical and practical skills are emphasised. The focus of the course is primarily Australian, but extensive reference is also made to overseas art exhibitions, art practice and critical discourse.
After successful completion of the course students should be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of modern art museums and the curating and interpretation of museum and gallery collections. They will also be able to participate in debate over policy direction at a state and national level and show an understanding of the main government and community issues related to collecting and exhibiting institutions and cultural policies. Students undertaking the MA by research should also demonstrate a capacity to conduct original research into salient issues relating to museum studies and cultural policy.
There are five paths into the Master of Arts in gallery and museum studies. Candidates must have successfully completed one of the following:
(i) a Bachelor of Arts honours degree with an overall grade of Second class honours division B or higher;
(ii) the Masters Qualifying by coursework with an overall grading at credit level or higher;
(iii) the Postgraduate Diploma in Visual Arts with an overall grading at credit level or higher, and a statement listing relevant publications, if any, senior level community service in a visual arts area and other relevant qualifications;
(iv) an honours degree, Masters Qualifying by coursework, or postgraduate diploma in a discipline related to visual arts, with an overall grading of credit or second class honours division B or higher;
(v) a bachelors degree in a relevant discipline with credit grades or higher in the third part of the major or in the last year of the degree, plus a minimum of three years of experience at a senior level directly relevant to the visual arts or to an area of media production. Evidence for this must accompany a candidate's application for entry. In addition candidates must supply (a) two references, commenting of the nature and extent of the experience; (b) a full CV; (c) a statement of up to 1000 words on the applicant's career objectives and reasons for applying for entry.
Candidates choose subjects to the value of forty-eight points. All students must undertake the following two subjects:
plus two other subjects, each of twelve points value, from the list of elective subjects set out below.Those students who have already undertaken VAM4021 (Beyond the museum: institutions and insurrections) and/or VAM4023 (Museum practice and research) as part of the MA Qualifying year may chose alternative subjects, each of twelve points value, from the list of elective subjects below. Students seeking information on ATD, AUS, COM, and MCM subjects should refer to the entry in this handbook under National Centre for Australian Studies. Students seeking information on HYM5090 should refer to the entry under Department of History.
* Offered subject to approval.
Program Code: 1987Program fee: local students HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
This program, involving one year's study full time and two years part-time, leads directly to the masters by coursework options available in visual arts. Students completing this program at a credit average or higher may then enter the Master of Arts in Australian art by coursework program or the Master of Arts in gallery and museum studies by coursework program. Candidates who gain an average result grade of distinction or high distinction may apply for entry into the Master of Arts by research programs. The Masters Qualifying program is intended primarily for students who wish to pursue areas of visual arts at an advanced level but who do not have a completed honours degree. As a means to study at Master of Arts level, it parallels the postgraduate diploma but is similar to the honours program in structure.
Candidates are expected, on completion of the Masters Qualifying program, to be working at an advanced postgraduate level in several subjects or areas of the visual arts. Candidates should be familiar with the key theoretical and research issues of several major areas of the visual arts, particularly in those areas they wish to focus on in their program for the Master of Arts degree.
A Bachelor of Arts pass degree with a major sequence in visual arts and an average result at third-year of at least credit level.
To complete this program students are required to take subjects totalling forty-eight points value from the following list:
* If candidates have already taken this subject at third-year level, they are advised to choose an alternative.
Course code: 0166
Course fee: Local students HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
The diploma offers a qualification to those engaged in visual art areas, or to those seeking cultural studies in art history, theory and film. Students proceed by undertaking four postgraduate coursework subjects valued at twelve points from the schedule below. The diploma courses each involve one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. Note that not all subjects are available in a given year.
Upon completion of the postgraduate diploma students should have engaged with a range of methodological approaches to the study of art history and/or film; learnt methods of original research; laid a firm basis for further postgraduate study and research.
There are three paths of entry to the postgraduate diploma program:
(i) A bachelors degree in arts with a major in visual arts.
(ii) A Faculty Certificate, with credits as the average grade.
(iii) Students with a major in other related disciplines, or applicants who have gained significant work experience in an area of the visual arts, may also be accepted into the program at the discretion of the head of department. For the work experience criteria, see the entry requirements for the masters by coursework programs in Australian art or in gallery and museum studies.
Students are required to complete four twelve point subjects totalling forty-eight credit points from the schedule below.
* Offered subject to approval.
Course code:2060Course fee: Local students $A3300
Course Director: To be arranged within Department of Visual Arts
This course, of one semester full-time and of two semesters part-time, gives a formal framework for students to undertake studies in visual arts subjects at fourth-year level. The certificate is of particular value for students who have already completed a major or minor sequence in visual arts but who wish to take additional subjects, either to broaden their disciplinary contact or to pursue study in a particular area of visual culture. The certificate course is also geared to students who are intending to pursue graduate study but who need familiarity with particular subjects or areas of theory in the visual arts as a bridge to either a major undergraduate sequence or to graduate work. The course also assists students who wish to augment another tertiary qualification with a formal course of study in the visual arts.
Through the certificate students will have a range of contact with research, seminars, debate and methodology within the visual arts. The Faculty Certificate is not intended as a foundation or entry year for graduate study, but is a general qualification which augments the bachelors degree in visual arts. Students who have completed the certificate course with grades at credit level or higher are eligible to apply for admission into the postgraduate Diploma of Arts (Art History/Film Studies program).
On successful completion of this course, students should have had their horizons and familiarity in areas of the visual arts significantly extended. Students should be able to present arguments, and their evidence, in the visual arts; they should be able to position arguments in relation to available reading and sources; they should have gained a sound familiarity with some of the methodologies in the writing, documentation and articulation of art history and criticism, or of film and television studies, and should be able to work competently in seminars.
(i) A bachelors degree in visual arts or a related discipline; or
(ii) if no degree, five years professional experience in an area recognised by the faculty in consultation with the department. Experience of particular relevance for visual arts includes sustained work in art galleries and museums, or the preparation of gallery or museum catalogues or monographs; work in the production or administration of film, television or their archives, research or substantial administrative work in heritage, architecture or design, or in public agencies involved with the visual arts. Evidence should include (a) two references, commenting of the nature and extent of the experience; (b) a full CV; (c) a statement of up to 1000 words on the applicant's career objectives and reasons for applying for entry, indicating any relevant publications, any community service at a senior level, and any other relevant qualifications.
Students undertake two fourth year level subjects totalling twenty-four credit points, as offered by the Department of Visual Arts.
Students intending to progress directly, or articulate, to the postgraduate diploma, need to choose subjects at a fourth-year level. The following subjects are being offered in 1998. Note that asterisked subjects are offered at third-year level. Students are not permitted to take more than one of these subjects in their selection.
* Candidates who have undertaken these subjects at second or third year should choose alternative subjects.
The Monash University library provides a standard reference art library. Among other library facilities available to research students, the State Library has extensive art reference holdings and the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University both have specialist research collections in the visual arts.
For the purpose of film study the Monash library holds a representative collection (comprising some six hundred films and videos) of world cinema. In addition arrangements can be made for detailed research on some areas of more recent world cinema, and on areas of earlier cinema not held in the Monash library collection.