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, designers would submit 10 graphic design works. Web designers would submit a major interactive web site or three smaller sites on the net. Multimedia designers would submit an interactive CD-ROM that demonstrates an innovative design approach. The emphasis will be on practising design presented as an industry style, rather than exhibition style. The presentation must demonstrate a 'deep link' industry/design practice project with the possibility of real or applied outcomes. Students must start the course with an industry/design connection of their own, or alternatively frame an industry/design connection based on a relationship established with, or a survey of, practising design possibilities in the Wollongong/Sydney area.

MUS913 Major Presentation - Music Performance: A 50-minute recital of major works from the instrumental or vocal repertoire, given in the final session of a student's full-time enrolment (or equivalent), is required. A presentation of a concerto or equivalent work of approximately 20-30 minutes duration is also required.

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, approximately 2,000 words.

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.

All students must submit a detailed outline of their proposed work for the major presentation to the supervisor(s) by the fourth week of enrolment. A cross-disciplinary approach may be possible. Assessment will be by two internal assessors and students will be awarded a 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory' grade for the major presentation.

Course Program