Master of Arts

With a blend of theory, practice and a host of majors to choose from, undertake supervised research in arts and contribute to your chosen discipline.

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Key facts

Locations

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

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.

Award granted: Master of Arts
Year: 2025 course information
Deakin code: A800
CRICOS code?: 001869E Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool
Level: Higher Degree Research
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition: The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course structure

To complete the Master of Arts you must pass 16 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

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 unit - to be completed by all students

Details available at the following site:

https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/become-a-research-student/phd-xtra

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Trimester 1 - March

Start date: March
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Online

Trimester 2 - July

Start date: July
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Online

Trimester 3 - November

Start date: November
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Online

HDR applications now open
Applications for research degrees without scholarship may be made at any time. Commencement of research degrees is not confined to Deakin's trimesters.

Course duration

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.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

Academic requirements

To be considered for selection into this degree you are required to have completed:

a research project including a thesis which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year's full-time study at Level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a Deakin grade of 65% or equivalent

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or in each component of test
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

$36,600 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

Learn more about international student fees.

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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.

Learn how to apply

Research Information

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

Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate 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.

1. Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession.

3. Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information.

6. Self-management: working and learning independently, and taking responsibility for personal actions.

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.

4. Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment.

5. Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems.

7. Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds.

Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, initiative, resilience and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.

2. Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change.

8. Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context.

Approved by Faculty Board July 2016