Master of Arts (Research)

School of Arts & Sciences

The University of Notre Dame Australia is proud to offer the opportunity to work on a Master of Arts degree to students who have achieved strong results in their Undergraduate or Honours degrees. Completed over two years of full-time study (or equivalent part-time), the Master of Arts requires you to work closely with two academic supervisors as you undertake a significant and original piece of research, which may include a substantial new discovery or an innovative adaptation, application or interpretation of existing knowledge. Maximise your potential today.

• Why study this degree?

  Are you a high-performing student who wishes to take the next academic step? The Master of Arts is a thesis-based research degree and is the perfect opportunity for academic advancement. The degree program is individually designed and built around the methodological requirements of the research, the nature of the topic to be investigated and the candidate’s background.

  If necessary, a candidate may also be required to undertake research training or further coursework as part of the MA program. Candidates will benefit from ongoing support, mentoring or involvement in the University’s research culture.

  The Master of Arts may be completed as a traditional thesis or a thesis by publication or as a non-traditional thesis (exegesis) and creative artefact. Your MA should be based on an advanced investigation into a significant question related to your current field of study or work. The thesis should make an original and substantial contribution to the humanities, social sciences, applied sciences or Aboriginal studies.

  Before applying to enrol in the Master of Arts, discuss your application with a suitably qualified member of the academic staff, preferably one, you wish to be your principal research supervisor.

  The Commonwealth Government’s Research Training Scheme (RTS) provides financial support for domestic candidates. Meanwhile, international students are required to pay full fees but may apply for a wide range of scholarships made available to candidates of exceptional potential.

• Program summary

  This degree consists of supervised research.

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

• Entry requirements

  Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:

  • Possession of an undergraduate (AQF level 7) or Honours (AQF level 8) degree from a recognised University, which has been completed at a superior standard and which demonstrates the applicant’s potential to undertake and complete a research based study at AQF level 9 equivalence; OR
  • In exceptional circumstances, an equivalent academic or professional background that is considered by the Dean of the School to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research work at Masters level.

  An applicant may be required to demonstrate an ability to understand and communicate in both written and spoken English at a level adequate for the purpose of pursuing the program of study or as deemed appropriate by the Dean of the School.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Master of Arts graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply an advanced body of knowledge to reflect critically on recent developments in theory and/or professional practice in their area of specialisation
  2. Demonstrate advanced technical skills relevant to particular professional practices
  3. Apply advanced, autonomous research skills, which integrate established theories, in order to contribute to knowledge or practice within a particular professional domain
  4. Demonstrate well developed and highly adaptive communication skills; and
  5. Articulate the ethical dimensions of a particular professional domain and its impacts on responsible professional practice.

• Practical component

  Whilst Practicums or Internships are not compulsory in this Award, if you are completing a specialisation that requires a practicum, it will be undertaken in the capstone course(s).

• Career opportunities

  Career opportunities are diverse and depend on the majors you choose. Options for graduate employment could include an intelligence analyst, community project officer, change manager research officer, disability services coordinator, family participation officer, client services, coordinator, youth housing officer, employment consultant, assessment and referral officer, or intercountry adoption support coordinator.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program. However if you complete a specialisation there may be a practicum required.

• Scholarships

  Domestic Students

  In accordance with the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017, most domestic research students are eligible to have all Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course fees paid for by the Commonwealth Government through a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship the maximum duration of the enrolment time published on the program requirement. Domestic students are also encouraged to apply for stipend scholarships, which are very competitive and awarded to students of exceptional research potential. The scholarships designed to help with general living costs for the duration of the research degree.

  International Students

  The University is keen to support high calibre international students through the Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (Fees Offset and/or Stipend), or the University International Fee Remission Research Scholarship (IFRRS), which are very competitive and awarded to students of exceptional research potential. Please refer to the International Prospectus or visit our Scholarships section if you would like more information. Unless in receipt of a scholarship, all international research students must pay full fees for the length of their research degree.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Domestic Fee-Paying
  A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

  Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  View application steps for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program on How to apply - Graduate research.

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007