Top 10 in Australia for arts and humanities
#1 Victorian university for facilities and resources
Pathway to a PhD
Why choose Deakin
Undertake supervised research in arts and contribute to your chosen discipline area.
This is an exciting opportunity to thoroughly immerse yourself in an interesting topic – all the while learning research and analytical skills to apply in your professional life.
You’ll complete a thesis of 40,000-50 000 words, embodying the results of research carried out in your chosen field of study. You may submit a thesis comprising creative works and an exegesis of no fewer than 10,000-12 000 words.
The Master of Arts is conducted under the supervision of a panel, chaired by an experienced principal supervisor. If you show significant promise as a research student, you might be invited to apply to enrol in the Doctor of Philosophy program.
-
World-class facilities
Access specialist creative practice facilities and digital research environments designed for the humanities, social sciences, communication, media, digital cultures and creative arts.
-
Flexible thesis option
If you're researching the creative arts, you can submit a creative work with an accompanying exegesis instead of a traditional written thesis.
-
Leading arts researcher supervisors
Work with internationally recognised scholars across the humanities, social sciences, communication and creative arts throughout your masters.
-
Progress to doctoral research
Build advanced research capability and create a strong pathway to a PhD and research careers across academia, the creative industries, government and the community sector.
Connected to industry
Engaging with industry during your PhD or masters by research ensures your research is relevant, future‑focused and positioned to create impact. Develop the skills your future employers need with industry-embedded projects, co‑supervision arrangements, access to partner facilities and opportunities to translate research into practice.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Arts you must pass 16 credit points. A candidate is required to complete a thesis of 40 000-50 000 words, embodying the results of research carried out in the field of study specified at the time of enrolment. Candidates in the arts may submit a thesis comprising creative works and an exegesis of no fewer than 10 000-12 000 words.
After a suitable qualifying period, generally at or post colloquium, Master of Arts candidates showing significant promise as research students may apply to transfer their enrolment to the Doctor of Philosophy program. Transfer is dependent on meeting the required academic standard and full support from your principal supervisor.
Coursework units are to be completed by all students. See the Researcher Development Academy for further information.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Supervision is available in most discipline areas offered by the Faculty. Contact the Higher Degree by Research Officer on Tel 03 9244 5413 or email deakin-hdr-as@deakin.edu.au for more information.
Deakin University offers scholarships for study towards higher degrees by research. For further information, contact the Research Scholarships Officer, telephone 03 5227 3492 or email research-scholarships@deakin.edu.au
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods. |
| Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethically research, synthesize and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, interpretations and theories to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice. Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, initiative, resilience and responsibility as a practitioner or learner. |
Approved by Faculty Board July 2016
- Award granted
- Master of Arts
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- A800
- Level
- Higher Degree Research
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Get all the information you need to successfully apply for a Deakin research degree or PhD, including key dates, entry requirements, supporting documents and finding a research supervisor. We’re here to support you through the process.