Chapter 1: Introduction

1.5 Arts

1.5.1 Research only degrees

Research master’s degrees in the Faculty of Arts require a candidate to undertake a substantial independent research project or a combination of creative output and an exegesis. This is a two year full-time equivalent degree.

1.5.1.1 Master of Arts

The Master of Arts degree is offered at Monash University’s Caulfield, Clayton, Gippsland and Sunway campuses. Candidates are expected to submit a thesis of 30,000–40,000 words.

1.5.1.2 Master of Arts (Creative Writing)

The Master of Arts (Creative Writing) degree involves the development of a piece of creative writing of 20,000–25,000 words along with an exegesis (a scholarly, self-reflective critique) of 10,000–15,000 words. The creative writing component may be in the form of a novel, a novella, a group of short stories, a play, a group of plays, a sequence of poems or a portfolio of creative works of various genres. This degree is offered at Monash University’s Clayton campus.

1.5.1.3 Master of Arts (Music Composition)

The Master of Arts (Music Composition) degree enables composers to develop a distinctive compositional voice and to research and acquire a range of compositional techniques. Candidates are expected to create a folio of original compositions that demonstrates the ability to work in various media, including traditional, electro-acoustic and contemporary solo and chamber combinations.
Candidates are also expected to write a critical commentary (exegesis) of 10,000–15,000 words that demonstrates their capacity for research into compositional approaches and musical aesthetics in the context of contemporary music. This degree is offered at Monash University’s Clayton campus.

1.5.1.4 Master of Arts (Theatre Performance)

The Master of Arts (Theatre Performance) degree offers the opportunity to combine creative output with practice-based research. This can take a variety of forms including plays, productions, films or musicals. Candidates are expected to develop and present a live performance in a public venue and submit a critical commentary.
The performance will normally be 50–60 minutes and the commentary between 10,000 and 15,000 words. The equivalent combined word total is between 35,000 and 40,000 words. The performance will normally be in directing, theatre making, dramatic writing or theatre design. It will embody the results of the research, including the contexts, theoretical influences, aesthetic elements and performance making processes of the project.
The critical commentary will be an explication and analysis of the performance research project, which will address methodological and theoretical issues that arise during the research investigation. This degree is offered at Monash University’s Clayton campus.

1.5.1.5 Master of Bioethics

The Master of Bioethics degree offers the opportunity to undertake research focused on ethical issues raised by medicine and the biomedical sciences.
Candidates are expected to submit a thesis of 30,000–40,000 words. This degree is offered at Monash University’s Clayton campus.

1.5.1.6 Master of Environmental Science

The Master of Environmental Science degree candidates are expected to submit a thesis of 30,000–40,000 words. This degree is offered at Monash University’s Clayton campus.

1.5.2 Research and coursework degrees

A research degree with a coursework component allows candidates to undertake coursework units followed by a thesis or equivalent project. For full-time candidates, the coursework is completed in the first semester and a thesis of 20,000–25,000 words is completed in two following semesters. These degrees are 1.5 years of full-time equivalent candidature.

1.5.2.1 Master of Arts by Research and Coursework

The Master of Arts degree including a coursework component requires candidates to undertake coursework units followed by the completion of a thesis of 20,000–25,000 words. This degree is offered at Monash University’s Caulfield and Clayton campuses.

1.5.2.2 Master of Arts (Music Performance)

The Master of Arts (Music Performance) degree requires candidates to undertake coursework units followed by the preparation of a high-quality recital performance of challenging works, comprising a 60-minute solo or solo and ensemble recital. The recital is recorded and submitted as part of a portfolio, along with a program booklet and an exegesis in a bound folder for examination. This degree is offered at Monash University’s Clayton campus.

1.5.2.3 Master of Environmental Science by Research and Coursework

The Master of Environmental Science degree including a coursework component requires the completion of coursework followed by completion of a thesis of between 20,000 and 25,000 words. This degree is offered at Monash University’s Clayton campus.

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