Master of Fine Art

The Master of Fine Art (Research) is a postgraduate project-based research degree.

The program has a pluralistic and interdisciplinary focus and cross-disciplinary dialogue is encouraged to enrich student's experience and knowledge.The MFA offers a rigorous, supportive and dynamic environment where the investigation of ideas and material practice pertinent to artistic research sits alongside and informs the production of art.

Central to the program is a balance between studio practice and the conceptual and theoretical concerns that underpin the making of art.Candidates work with a broad range of media.

These include installation, sculpture, ceramics, hybrid and spatial practices, sound, performance, media arts, video, painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, and gold and silversmithing.

Candidates are encouraged to consider the artistic, cultural and social position of their research and to draw upon trans-disciplinary practices and enquiries.The program attracts candidates from diverse backgrounds, age groups and nationalities, including leading art practitioners, students graduating directly from undergraduate programs and artists returning to postgraduate study to enliven their practice.

You will engage with your peers to develop extended dialogues and provide critical support for each other’s research.You will undertake a major project that culminates in an exhibition, performance or presentation of work for assessment that is accompanied by a detailed proposal and visual and sonic documentation of the work undertaken during the program.

If you are a full-time candidate you must enrol in exactly 48 credit points in total for each semester. If you are a part-time candidate you must enrol in exactly 24 credit points in total for each semester

All courses listed may not be available each semester

Coursework Courses

Complete the following One (1) Course:

AND

Project Courses

The remaining allocation of credit points for each semester should be made up of the following Courses:

Applicants for masters by research programs must have completed one of the following from a recognised higher education institution:

• a four year bachelor degree with at least a credit average in the final undergraduate year;

or

• another recognised award deemed to be equivalent in character and standard to a four year undergraduate degree, with at least a credit average in the final undergraduate year.

Alternatively applicants may provide evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and experience that satisfies the Dean of the School of Graduate Research or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country equivalents webpage.

English Language Requirements

A minimum IELTS (academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents webpage (unresolved).

Selection Tasks

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application. See the Postgraduate Research Admission Application Form for more details.

Graduates of the Master of Fine Art will have developed mastery in artistic research in their chosen field by undertaking a substantial and rigorous research project. Graduates of a Master of Fine Art by research will have: - a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent development in one or more disciplines - advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning - cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and its application - cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice - cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level - cognitive and technical skills to design, use and evaluate research and research methods - communication and technical skills to present coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences - technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge Graduates of a Master of Fine Art by research will demonstrate the application of these knowledge and skills: - with creativity and initiative to new situations and/or for further learning - with high level personal autonomy and accountability - to plan and execute a substantial piece of research