Master of Creative Arts - Research

Overview

The Master of Creative Arts – Research is a course for high level creative arts practitioners who wish to extend their practice within a scholarly context and whose work is at a standard beyond that required for the Pass Masters (MCA) but who do not possess the requirements for entry to the Doctoral program.  It normally consists of two 12 credit point coursework subjects plus a major presentation.  In some cases, it may be possible to transfer to the Doctor of Creative Arts after a suitable period of study (normally at least the equivalent of nine months of full-time enrolment).

It may be possible for individuals with appropriate expertise to undertake studies that involve more than one discipline area.  Interested applicants should contact the Faculty's Professional Officer.

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

Applicants should hold an appropriate Bachelor degree with Honours Class II, Division 1, or higher (or its equivalent) and be able to demonstrate evidence of strong artistic attainment/potential.  Examples of artistic attainment and potential include publication or professional dissemination of work; grants, fellowships and prizes; high-level professional activity; and various indicators relevant to the specific discipline.

Advanced Standing

Applicants who have completed other relevant qualifications deemed to be equivalent may be granted advanced standing for one or both of the 12 credit point coursework subjects.

Course Requirements

Students are required to complete 72 credit points of 900- level subjects consisting of two 12 credit point coursework subjects plus a 48 credit point major presentation (thesis).  Submission will be in the form of:  creative work (research) (67%), combined with coursework for the two 12 credit point subjects as listed (33%).

The submission of creative work (research) will normally be by exhibition, performance or presentation in the area of the major, supported by written documentation (approximately 5,000 words) focusing on aspects such as origins of the work, structures and techniques used, and artistic theories underpinning the work.

The following is intended as a guide to the scale and style of creative work submission for the Thesis.

Creative Writing:  Substantial folio of creative writing which may take the form of a large-scale project such as a novel (50,000 words), poetry collection (64 pages) or script (75 minutes duration), or a combination of smaller pieces.

Graphic Design and New Media:  Graphic design portfolio/exhibition and/or website/CD-Rom.  As an example of content, designers would submit 10 to 15 graphic design works.  Web designers would submit a major interactive web site or at least three smaller sites on the net.  Multimedia designers would submit a substantial interactive CD-Rom that demonstrates an innovative and professional design approach.   All students must submit design roughs and supporting material for exhibition.

Music Composition:   Folio of compositions including up to five compositions and at least one work that employs large resources or performance media.

Performance – Music:  Two performances of approximately 60 minutes in duration, demonstrating high levels of artistry, technical proficiency and focus.  Such performances would normally be chosen from a solo performance; a performance as a featured artist in a group context; a performance with electronic media and/or a lecture/performance.

Performance – Theatre:  Demonstration of proficiency of technical assurance and artistry in one of the following: directing, performance management (facilitation of the rehearsal room and/or technical production for theatre, opera, dance, gallery), dramaturgy or performance in a production of 45 to 60 minutes duration.

Visual Arts:   Major solo exhibition of artwork plus documented preliminary exhibitions.   As an example of content, painters should submit at least eight to 12 major pieces, plus drawings and supporting material of exhibition standard. Equivalent amounts of work will be expected of students working in other areas of the visual arts.

Assessment for the MCA-R is by two external assessors.

Course Program

Major Study Areas

Refer to listing under Doctor of Philosophy entry.