Master of Arts - Research

Overview
The Master of Arts – Research can be a research-only degree, where the candidate holds an undergraduate-degree with a substantial research component.  Where the candidate has an undergraduate Pass degree, s/he will undertake 24 credit points of coursework in areas aimed at research training.   The candidate must complete a substantial thesis (around 50,000 words).

Important Note:  This course has replaced the former Master of Arts (Honours) by Research.  Students currently enrolled in that course may complete the degree under that course title and course code, but it is closed to new enrolments.

Entry Requirements
There are two entry points for this degree:

1. From the Bachelor of Arts.  Students entering the degree from the Bachelor of Arts (Pass) degree will complete a 72 credit point degree, consisting of the 24 credit point subject ARTS901 Master of Arts Research Methods or other equivalent research training coursework and, subject to satisfactory completion of the coursework component (see below in Program Structure), a 48 credit point thesis on a disciplinary or interdisciplinary topic.
2. From the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or the Master of Arts by Coursework (or equivalent qualification).  Students having a Bachelor of Arts with Honours Class II, division ii or higher, or a Master of Arts by Coursework (or equivalent) with an average of at least 70% may apply for admission into the Master of Arts - Research degree with Advanced Standing for the 24 credit points of coursework.  They will then complete a 48 credit point thesis in a discipline or interdisciplinary area.

All applications must be approved by the Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies).   Approval also depends on the availability of supervision within the Faculty for the proposed thesis and its relationship to the key areas of research in the Faculty, including The Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies (CAPSTRANS).

Normally the student will have an undergraduate degree with a major in the discipline area of the proposed research, or equivalent.

Course Requirements

1. Entry from the Bachelor of Arts (Pass degree) or equivalent:  Students will complete one 48 credit point thesis in a field of study and the 24 credit point coursework subject, ARTS901 Master of Arts Research Methods. Students who achieve 70% or higher in ARTS901 will proceed to the thesis component of the degree.  Students who achieve a Pass average in this subject will be offered the opportunity to transfer to the Master of Arts by Coursework with 24 credit points of Advanced Standing. The thesis topic will be determined by discussion between the student and the Postgraduate Co-ordinator in the School in which the student is enrolled.
   
   The 24 credit point Coursework subject, ARTS901, Master of Arts Research Methods, provides students with training in the theories and research methodologies current in their chosen areas.  This training involves three modules of study:
   • a specific theory and methods module;
   • an advanced content-based module in the student's discipline area;
   • a module in which the student writes a detailed research proposal for the Master of Arts thesis.

   The precise content of these modules will be determined on a case-by-case basis, with the student and the Academic Program.  It will be approved by the Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies).
   
   The content-based subject will normally be selected from the range of subjects available in the Master of Arts (coursework) in the student’s chosen discipline or interdisciplinary area of study.

2. Entry from the BA (Honours) or equivalent: Students who have completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree with Class II division ii or higher, or appropriate research subjects in the Master of Arts (coursework) may apply for Advanced Standing for the 24 credit points of coursework.  They will then enrol in the 48 Credit Point thesis.

Time limits
Full time students should complete the 72 credit point degree in no fewer than two (2) sessions (not including Summer Session) and not more than four (4) sessions (not including Summer Session).  Full-time students should complete the 48 credit point course in no fewer than two (2) sessions (not including Summer Session) and not more than four (4) sessions (not including Summer Session).  Part-time students should complete the course in no fewer than four (4) sessions and no more than eight (8) sessions

Fields of Study
Fields of Study
Communication and Cultural Studies
English Literatures
French
History
International Relations
Italian
Japanese
Linguistics
Philosophy
Politics
Science, Technology and Society
Sociology

Coursework Subject
Students entering the degree from the BA (Pass) degree undertake the following subject before beginning the thesis:

Assessment

Coursework:  Where students must complete the 24 credit point coursework component, assessment of that part of the degree will depend on the modules chosen, but it will normally be by essays and seminar papers.

Thesis:  Students meet regularly with their supervisors to ensure that they are proceeding to plan.  On commencement of the research component, candidates and their supervisors complete a Confirmation of Candidature Form that identifies key milestones, resource needs and skills required for completion of the research project.   This is followed by a First Year review within the first year of the thesis.    In addition, each year, the student and supervisors must submit a progress report.  The annual progress report is the means by which the University assesses whether the candidature will continue into the following year.   Supervisors who are concerned about a student’s progress may also initiate a progress review at other times during a student’s candidature.  When the thesis is submitted, it is examined by two examiners chosen by the supervisors in consultation with the student.

Students are advised to consult the University’s Code of Practice – Supervision at the following web address: http://www.uow.edu.au/handbook/codesofprac/cop_supervision.html

For further information about the Faculty’s research themes and researchers, please consult the Faculty website at: http://www.uow.edu.au/arts/  

For more technical information about the degree process, please consult the website of the University’s Office of Research at: http://www.uow.edu.au/research/rsc/