Master of Arts
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
The Master of Arts provides advanced learning opportunities in the humanities and social sciences. You can choose to proceed by coursework to complete the required 8 units of study, or undertake a combination of coursework and a research path, comprising a dissertation on an approved topic within the discipline.
The degree also affords the opportunity for interdisciplinary study, both within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, or by combining approved units of study from other faculties: social policy and public relations, for instance, or philosophy and bioethics. The MA offers an enriching course of study building on your bachelor degree major, or a rewarding pathway to a higher degree by research in the humanities or social sciences.
The Master of Arts is available in the following areas: Archaeology; Arabic and Islamic Studies; Art History; Classics and Ancient History; English; Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies; History; Holocaust Studies; Sociology; Social Policy.
Specialisations
Units of study
Full units of study list
- ANHS5901 - Classical Texts in Translation
- ANHS6901 - Ancient Rome: Space and Power
- ANHS6905 - Supervised Reading Course 1
- ANHS6906 - Supervised Reading Course 2
- ANHS6908 - MA Dissertation Part 1
- ANHS6909 - MA Dissertation Part 2
- ANTH6910 - Supervised Reading I
- ANTH6911 - Supervised Reading II
- ARBC6901 - Issues in Arab Political Culture
- ARBC6911 - Arabic for Advanced Studies 1
- ARBC6912 - Arabic for Advanced Studies 2
- ARBC6915 - Advanced Arabic Translation 1
- ARBC6916 - Advanced Arabic Translation 2
- ARCA6905 - History and Philosophy of Archaeology
- ARHT5908 - The Business of Art
- ARHT6914 - Art and Curatorship
- ARHT6916 - American Art: Pollock to Warhol
- ARHT6920 - Dissertation Part 1
- ARHT6921 - Dissertation Part 2
- ARHT6923 - Gallery Internship
- ARHT6925 - Cinematographic Performance
- ARHT6930 - Film Theory: Art,Industry,Culture
- ARHT6932 - Matisse & Picasso-Discourse & Exhibition
- ARHT6934 - The Eighteenth Century: Art,Text,Film
- ARHT6935 - The Art Museum: Past,Present and Future
- ARHT6936 - Biennales,Triennales & Contemporary Art
- ARHT6937 - Curating Asian Art
- ARHT6939 - The Documentary Film
- ARHT6940 - Editing the Moving Image
- ARHT6941 - Aesthetic Debates & Curatorial Practices
- ARHT6952 - Modern & Contemporary Art & Aesthetics
- ARHT6953 - Backstage at the Mitchell Library
- ARIN6901 - Network Society
- ARIN6902 - Internet Cultures and Governance
- ARIN6903 - Exploring Digital Cultures
- ARIN6912 - Digital Research and Publishing
- ARIS6902 - Muslim Women: Realities and Challenges
- ARIS6903 - Islamic Law in the Modern World
- ARIS6904 - Crisis of Democracy in the Islamic World
- ARIS6905 - Dissertation - Part 1
- ARIS6906 - Dissertation - Part 2
- ARIS6907 - Islamic Worldview: Religion and Politics
- ARTS7000 - Academic Communication for Postgraduates
- ASNS6091 - Dissertation in Asian Studies (1)
- ASNS6092 - Dissertation in Asian Studies (2)
- ASNS6097 - Supervised Reading in Asian Studies (1)
- ASNS6098 - Supervised Reading in Asian Studies (2)
- ASNS6900 - Contemporary Asian Societies
- ASNS6903 - Theory and Method in Asian Studies
- ASNS6905 - Asian Popular Culture
- BDST6902 - Buddhism and the West
- DVST6901 - Development: Critical Perspectives A
- DVST6902 - Development: Critical Perspectives B
- DVST6904 - Rethinking Poverty
- ECOP6031 - Research in Political Economy
- ECOP6130 - Human Rights & International Development
- ENGL6907 - Essay (English)
- ENGL6912 - Issues in Mass Communication
- ENGL6929 - Dissertation Part 1
- ENGL6930 - Dissertation Part 2
- ENGL6935 - Research Essay
- ENGL6936 - Writers at Work: Fiction
- ENGL6937 - Major Movements in Contemporary Prose
- ENGL6938 - Literature and Desire
- ENGL6940 - English Exchange 1
- ENGL6941 - English Exchange 2
- ENGL6942 - English Exchange 3
- ENGL6943 - English Exchange 4
- ENGL6944 - Writers at Work: Poetry
- ENGL6945 - Major Movements in Contemporary Poetry
- ENGL6946 - Communication in Professional Contexts A
- ENGL6953 - Journeys of Healing
- ENGL6960 - The Cold War
- ENGL6962 - Communication in Professional Contexts B
- ENGL6967 - Literary Theory and Critical Practice
- ENGL6976 - Masters of Modernism
- EUST6901 - European Cinema and National Identities
- EUST6902 - Supervised Reading Course 1
- EUST6903 - Supervised Reading Course 2
- EUST6904 - Dissertation Part A
- EUST6905 - Dissertation Part B
- EUST7010 - European Language Acquisition 1
- EUST7011 - European Language Acquisition 2
- GCST5902 - Natures and Cultures of Bodies
- GCST5905 - Identity Place and Culture
- GCST6903 - Debates in Cultural Studies
- GCST6905 - Philosophy in the Feminine
- GOVT6135 - Global Environmental Politics
- GOVT6136 - Asia Pacific Politics
- GRKA7001 - Classical Greek for Postgraduates I
- GRKA7002 - Classical Greek for Postgraduates II
- HBRW6901 - Classical Hebrew for Postgraduates I
- HBRW6902 - Classical Hebrew for Postgraduates II
- HRTD6906 - The Philosophy of Human Rights
- HRTG6901 - The Idea of Heritage
- HSTY6915 - MA Dissertation Part 1
- HSTY6916 - MA Dissertation Part 2
- HSTY6987 - Writing the Past
- HSTY6988 - Contagion: History and Culture
- HSTY6994 - Globalism,Internationalism and the UN
- HSTY7000 - A History of Australia-US Relations
- HSTY7001 - The History of Human Rights
- ICLS6901 - Literary Comparison: History and Methods
- ICLS6902 - Comparative Studies and Literary Debates
- ITLN6900 - Advanced Italian Language 1
- ITLN6901 - Advanced Italian Language 2
- JCTC6901 - Jewish Civ Study: Methodology and Tools
- JCTC6908 - The Australian Jewish Experience
- JCTC6914 - Supervised Reading: Hebrew/Judaic Stud 1
- JCTC6915 - Contemporary Response to the Holocaust
- JCTC6916 - The Holocaust: A Context of Health
- JCTC6918 - Dissertation - Part 1
- JCTC6919 - Dissertation - Part 2
- LATN7201 - Latin for Postgraduates I
- LATN7202 - Latin for Postgraduates II
- LNGS7001 - Structure of English
- LNGS7002 - Language,Society and Power
- LNGS7004 - Register and Genre in English
- LNGS7006 - Cross-Cultural Communication
- LNGS7101 - Bilingualism
- LNGS7102 - Educational Linguistics
- LNGS7109 - Language and Identity
- LNGS7272 - Additional Lang Learning:TESOL/SLT/LOTE
- LNGS7274 - Media Discourse
- LNGS7521 - Essay 1
- LNGS7528 - Dissertation Part 1
- LNGS7529 - Dissertation Part 2
- MECO6916 - Editing and Manuscript Preparation
- MECO6917 - Book Production and Publishing Business
- MUSM7004 - Internship/Placement 1 (Part 1)
- MUSM7005 - Internship/Placement 2 (Part 2)
- MUSM7007 - Museum Studies Dissertation (Part 1)
- MUSM7008 - Museum Studies Dissertation (Part 2)
- MUSM7028 - Artefact Studies
- MUSM7029 - Communication and Education
- MUSM7030 - Exhibition Development
- MUSM7031 - Information and Collection Management
- MUSM7032 - Museum and Gallery Administration
- MUSM7033 - The Museum Context
- MUSM7035 - Ethics of Cultural Property
- PACS6901 - United Nations,Peace and Security
- PACS6902 - Reconciliation & Conflict Transformation
- PACS6904 - Dissertation Part 1
- PACS6905 - Dissertation Part 2
- PACS6907 - Gender and the Development of Peace
- PACS6908 - Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
- PACS6909 - Cultures of Violence
- PACS6910 - Peace Through Tourism
- PACS6911 - Key Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies
- PACS6913 - Conflict in Organisations
- PACS6914 - Conflict-Resolving Media
- PACS6915 - Human Rights,Peace and Justice
- PACS6917 - Religion,War and Peace
- PALI5901 - Pali for Postgraduates 1
- PALI5902 - Pali for Postgraduates 2
- PHIL7021 - Kant
- PHIL7810 - Supervised Reading Course 1
- PHIL7811 - Supervised Reading Course 2
- PHIL7826 - Dissertation Part 1
- PHIL7827 - Dissertation Part 2
- PHIL7840 - Philosophy and the Science of Happiness
- PRFM5900 - Contemporary Performance
- PRFM5901 - Critical Theory and Performance
- PRFM5902 - Rehearsal Studies
- PRFM5903 - Rehearsal to Performance
- PRFM6900 - Theatre and Community Development
- RLST6921 - Dissertation Part 1
- RLST6922 - Dissertation Part 2
- RLST6934 - Mysticism,Religion and Cognition
- RLST6935 - Buddhist Contemplative Practices
- RLST6946 - Academic Research Project
- SANS5901 - Sanskrit for Postgraduates 1
- SANS5902 - Sanskrit for Postgraduates 2
- SANS5903 - Sanskrit for Postgraduates 3
- SANS5904 - Sanskrit for Postgraduates 4
- SCLG6901 - Citizenship Rights and Social Movements
- SCLG6902 - Doing Social Research
- SCLG6903 - New Debates in Social Theory
- SCLG6904 - Ethics and Private Life
- SCLG6905 - Independent Study and Report
- SCLG6906 - Dissertation Part 1
- SCLG6907 - Dissertation Part 2
- SCLG6910 - Social Policy International Perspectives
- SCLG6916 - Indigenous Rights - Global Issues
- SCWK6902 - Social Research
- SCWK6910 - Working with Communities
- SCWK6918 - Debates in Human Services Management
- USSC6901 - Fundamentals of US Studies
- USSC6902 - US Politics: Competing Centres of Power
- USSC6903 - US Foreign and National Security Policy
- USSC6905 - US Economic Policy and Regulation
- USSC6906 - US Constitution
- USSC6907 - American Exceptionalism
- USSC6914 - Key Issues in American Culture
- USSC6917 - The American City
- USSC6919 - American Film and Hollywood
- USSC6920 - News in the USA: The Objectivity Norm
- WMST6903 - Gender,Media and Consumer Societies
- WMST6904 - Modernism,Modernity and Modern Culture
- WMST6912 - Gender Studies Supervised Reading 1
- WMST6913 - Gender Studies Supervised Reading 2
- WMST6922 - Dissertation Part 1
- WMST6923 - Dissertation Part 2
Embedded courses
Further course information
Study plan
The MA requires the satisfactory completion of 8 units of study (48 credit points) (cp). Normally a minimum 4 units of study (24cp) in the subject area are required, but this may vary in some subject areas (see the details under Specialisations). The remaining units of study may be undertaken in a relevant or related field, subject to the approval of the academic coordinator. Candidates electing to undertake a dissertation (12cp) must prepare a research proposal and discuss their topic with the academic coordinator prior to enrolling. Approval is subject to the department's discretion and the availability of an appropriate academic supervisor. The dissertation is normally undertaken over two semesters and comprises research and writing toward a project of approximately 12,000 words.
Progression rules
Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first four units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the dissertation units of study. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.
Capstone experience
Eligible candidates undertaking the degree of Master of Arts have the option of completing a dissertation on an approved topic over two units of study, normally undertaken over two semesters, with a value of 12 credit points, under the supervision of an academic staff member.
Course outcomes and further study
Graduate opportunities
Sydney Master of Arts graduates hold an advanced learning qualification in their chosen specialisation that may qualify them for further study or research opportunities in the subject area, or enhance career opportunities with employers who value the outstanding analytical, communications, interpersonal and problem-solving skills of humanities and social sciences postgraduates.
Further study
Graduates of the Master of Arts who have completed a dissertation with a meritorious grade are eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in their chosen subject area.
Other study options
Individual units of study within the program may be undertaken by suitably qualified candidates who do not wish to commit to the study of an award course. Non-award candidates are students of the University; on satisfactory completion of unit of study requirements, candidates receive an academic transcript showing the details of the unit or units of study undertaken, with results and grades. Subject to the approval of the Dean and individual course Resolutions, completed non-award study may be credited to an award course. You may, for instance, complete one or two units of study from the postgraduate Arts program one year and decide that you would like to undertake the Master of Arts the next; your study load in the Master degree is therefore reduced. Units of study may also be undertaken by cross-institutionally by students, subject to the approval of the Dean. Cross-institutional candidates are enrolled in a postgraduate award course at another university and have approval fro their home institution to complete a unit or units of study at Sydney, to be credited toward their degree. Please contact the Faculty about non-award and cross-institutional study.
How to apply
Domestic students
How to apply
Applications are made to the Universities Admissions Centre http://www.uac.edu.au/
Please note: not all courses are offered in the July semester intake.
Admission requirements
Admission to candidature for the Master of Arts requires:
(a) completion of the requirements for the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Arts, with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification; or
(b) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree, including a
major in a relevant subject area in the humanities or social sciences, or
an equivalent qualification.
International students
How to apply
Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).
Admission requirements
Admission to candidature for the Master of Arts requires:
(a) completion of the requirements for the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Arts, with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification; or
(b) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree, including a
major in a relevant subject area in the humanities or social sciences, or
an equivalent qualification.
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
*(1)Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.
Annual review
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml
*(2)Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
This 2012 tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents
International students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students
This 2012 tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_coursework or http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_research
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.