Challenge yourself through a degree that broadens your skill set and advances your career prospects. The Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) provides you the flexibility to pursue an area of humanities and social sciences that interests you. Produce a thesis (20,000-22,000 words) based on original research that reveals your awareness of the latest research and theoretical directions within your chosen discipline of humanities and social sciences.

The University of Melbourne provides research students with specialist support, including workshops, seminars and coursework leadership programs. You will cultivate high-level research and writing skills, and study coursework elements that enhance your research training experience.

Who is it for?

If you want to develop specialised knowledge in one or more areas that interest you, the Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) will provide you with an advanced understanding of the major issues experienced in your chosen field.

Usually undertaken over 18 months (full-time) or three years (part-time), successful completion of the Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) can act as a pathway to a Doctor of Philosophy – Arts degree. The Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences only accepts applications for Semester 1 commencement - there is no mid-year intake. You are expected to begin your degree by the first week of Semester 1.

Please note: The Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) is currently available to those wishing to study in Philosophy only.

1.5 years full-time / 3 years part-time

Program requirements

• 25 points of coursework subject/s
• 20,000 to 22,000 word thesis

Please note: Students are required to enrol into the minor thesis subject (as per their specialisation) for 3 semesters full time (or part time equivalent).

For more information about specialisations offered please view the Handbook entry for this course.

View Handbook entry

Career outcomes for the Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) allow you to take a step in the right direction. You will have a head start pursuing:

• Higher research and academia
• Consultancy
• Managerial positions

Graduates from this degree have worked at:

• The University of Otago
• Sinclair Knight Merz
• Barwon Health Grace McKella Rehabilitation Centre

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed: A four-year honours degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at leas

IELTS (academic English Only): Overall 7.0 (with written 7.0 and no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 94 + ; Writing 27; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 65 + written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 185 + no less than 185 in Writing and 169 in each other skill