Master of Creative Arts - Research

Testamur Title of Degree:	Master of Creative Arts - Research
Abbreviation:	MCA-Res
Home Faculty:	Faculty of Creative Arts
Duration:	1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Total Credit Points:	72
Delivery Mode:	Coursework component - On Campus* Supervised individual research/creative project
Starting Session(s):	Autumn or Spring
Location:	Wollongong
UOW Course Code:	1302
CRICOS Code:	044409M

* Coursework may be required depending on entry level

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 of creative work. In some cases, it may be possible to apply 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.

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.

Credit Transfer

Applicants who have completed other relevant qualifications deemed to be equivalent may be granted credit transfer for one or both of the 12 credit point coursework subjects. Students seeking credit transfer are advised to contact the Faculty or UniAdvice for further details and refer to the General Course Rules.

Course Requirements

Students must complete two 12 credit point coursework subjects in their discipline area. Students also enrol in THES924 Thesis (full-time) or THES912 Thesis (part-time) under which they complete a major presentation of creative work. The submission of creative work 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 Faculty requires that students submit their written documentation no later than the date of examination of their final exhibition or performance, except under extraordinary circumstances approved by the supervisor and Head of Postgraduate Studies. Students presenting folios, for example literary manuscripts or music compositions, should place their dissertation and folio together in one submission for examination.

Students must also complete two 12 credit point coursework subjects in their discipline area.

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

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 single-spaced pages) or script (75 minutes duration), or a combination of smaller pieces.

Graphic Design: 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.

Media Arts: Major solo exhibition of new media artwork plus documented preliminary exhibitions.

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

Performance - Theatre: Demonstration of proficiency and artistry in one of the following: directing, 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 Master of Creative Arts - Research is by two external assessors.

For further information on Awards or Degree Rules, please see the General Course Rules.

Course Program

Subject Code	Subject Name	Credit Points	Session
THES924	Thesis full-time	24	Autumn and/or Spring
OR
THES912	Thesis part-time	12	Autumn and/or Spring
Plus coursework subjects in the area of specialisation: Creative Writing
WRIT910	Analysis of Texts	12	Autumn
WRIT911	Literary Composition	12	Spring
Graphic Design
DESN910	Graphic Design Theory and Industry Research Methodologies	12	Autumn
DESN911	Studies in Process and Analysis: Graphic Design and New Media	12	Spring
Media Arts
DESN910	Graphic Design Theory and Industry Research Methodologies	12	Autumn
DESN911	Studies in Process and Analysis: Graphic Design and New Media	12	Spring
OR
VISA910	Visual Arts Theory	12	Autumn
VISA911	Studies in Process and Analysis: Visual Arts	12	Spring
Music Composition
MUS 910	Music Analysis	12	Not on offer in 2012
MUS 915	Studies in Composition Technique	12	Not on offer in 2012
Theatre
THEA910	Theatre Analysis	12	Autumn
THEA911	Advanced Techniques in Theatre	12	Spring
Visual Arts
VISA910	Visual Arts Theory	12	Autumn
VISA911	Studies in Process and Analysis: Visual Arts	12	Spring

Major Study Areas

Refer to listing under Doctor of Creative Arts entry.

Assessment

On commencement, students and their supervisors complete a Commencement of Candidature Form that confirms the expectations of the candidacy, particularly for the first year, the research/creative topic, a plan and timetable for the creative work and dissertation, and resource needs and skills required to complete the project. Students meet regularly with their supervisors to ensure that their progress is in line with the agreed plan. Students and supervisors must also submit an Annual Progress Report (APR). The APR is the means by which the University assesses the progress of the candidature and decides whether it will continue into the following year. Supervisors who have concerns about a student's progress may also initiate a progress review at other times during the candidature.

The Master of Creative Arts-Research submission of creative work is examined by two external examiners chosen from a list prepared by the supervisor/s in consultation with the student and approved by the Head of Postgraduate Studies.

Research Proposal Reviews (RPR)

The University's Progress Review Guidelines stipulate that no later than the completion of the equivalent of one year full-time enrolment, students must present an oral research presentation and prepare a written research plan and preliminary literature review. Students must also provide a written timetable for the coming year, and a statement of the resources required to complete their project (e.g. access to laboratories, field trips, libraries, specialist equipment etc). In the Faculty of Creative Arts, this Review encompasses student's research in terms of both their theoretical and creative work.

The Research Proposal Review Committee to hear students' oral research presentations usually meet during the Faculty's Postgraduate Week normally held in September each year.

Other Information

Further information is available at:

UOW Coursefinder http://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/

Creative Arts Email fca_enquiries@uow.edu.au

Creative Arts Website http://www.uow.edu.au/crearts/index.html