Master of Arts at Victoria University

Overview

Build on your knowledge in the arts and further your career prospects. VU’s Master of Arts develops your specialist knowledge and opens doors to opportunities in your area of interest and passion.

During your postgraduate study, you'll undertake a research project of your choice in the humanities, social sciences or creative arts.

You will make a valuable contribution to social knowledge, and improve your job prospects with professional skills that are sought after by employers in the sector.

This course requires a thesis on an approved subject, carried out under the supervision of both your principal supervisor and co-supervisor.

Our lecturers are renowned in their respective industries and draw on their wealth of experience to bring their teaching to life. They will also share their insights on managing research projects, presenting papers to international conferences and publishing academic journals and books.

Upon graduation, you’ll have gained advanced knowledge in one or more disciplines and will have the technical, creative and intellectual skills for further study of a PhD or professional doctorate, or to pursue work as a research assistant.

Research opportunities & development

VU Research gives you opportunities to:

• connect with other researchers
• participate in research festivals and competitions
• develop your research skills
• get funding for your research
• publish and promote your findings.

We offer support for graduate researchers including:

• an orientation program
• a specialised Office for Researcher Training, Quality & Integrity
• study spaces
• units to help you conceptualise and contextualise your research
• research ambassadors and student association.

Learning outcomes

The course objectives are to produce graduates who have the following knowledge and skills:

• a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in one or more discipline
• advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
• cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and its application
• cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
• cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
• cognitive and technical skills to design, use and evaluate research and research method
• communication and technical skills to present a coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audience
• technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge

This knowledge and these skills will be demonstrated through the planning and execution of a substantial piece of research:

• with creativity and initiative
• with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a learner

Careers in policy, research and industry

Career opportunities include:

• management-level positions in industry or government
• research in government laboratories, research institutions or in industry
• commissioning editor for a specialist academic journal
• presenting at conferences
• employment with a university conducting research
• visiting key international research institutes.