Master of Creative Arts

Overview

The Master of Creative Arts (MCA) is an intensive course focusing on the attainment of high level practical skills.  It normally consists of two coursework subjects plus a major presentation.

Each student is allocated a supervisor/s responsible for the major presentation who advises on development of the creative work and its documentation.

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

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

Normally applicants should hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution in an appropriate area of study.  Students without adequate formal qualifications may be required to complete up to 48 credit points of additional study, incorporating relevant subjects; 48 credit points is the maximum number that can be completed in an academic year.  Applicants should have professional experience in their chosen area of study.

Course Requirements

Students are required to complete 48 credit points of 900 level subjects consisting of two 12 credit point coursework subjects plus a 24 credit point major presentation.  The following is intended as a guide for the major presentation:

DESN913 Major Presentation – Graphic Design and New Media:
As an example of content, graphic designers would submit 10 graphic design works; interactive designers would produce a major interactive web site or multimedia piece, or several smaller sites or multimedia works.  Students are also required to deliver a seminar presentation of their initial research and proposal, accompanied by a professional document (2000 words) detailing the proposed creative project.  DESN913 work must demonstrate a ‘deep link’ to industry/design practice, with the possibility of real or applied outcomes.

MUS913 Major Presentation – Music Performance:
A 50-minute performance for acoustic, amplified or electronic instruments or voice, given in the final session of a students’ full-time enrolment (or equivalent) is required.  The program should be approved by the supervisor(s) by the end of the first session of enrolment.  A second 20-30 minute performance of a substantial nature is also required.  The work (which may in the case of longer works – be a movement section) should be chosen in consultation with the supervisor(s).

MUS914 Major Presentation – Music Composition:
Submission of a portfolio of at least four compositions, including one major work for large resources or performance media; sketches, recordings and other supporting material; and analytical commentaries on the works submitted of approximately 2,000 words is also required.

THEA913 Major Presentation – Theatre:
The major presentation is the planning and implementation of a practical demonstration of the student’s work.  In addition to the realisation of the project, students will give a public presentation accompanied by a 2000 word analysis of the process undertaken with appropriate annotation and commentary.  The parameters of the presentation must be negotiated with the supervisor(s).

VISA913 Major Presentation – Visual Arts: 
As an example of content, painters should submit at least eight 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.

WRIT913 Major Presentation – Creative Writing:
Students will present either a work of short prose fiction (25,000 words); or collection of poetry (48 pages); or a
(60-minute) theatre/film/television script.

Course Program