Challenge yourself in a degree that broadens your skillset and advances your career prospects. The Master of Arts (Thesis Only) lets you showcase your ability to present and argue a coherent hypothesis on your chosen issue, as supported by research and analysis.

Enjoy the flexibility to pursue an area of humanities and social sciences that interests you. You’ll write a thesis (30,000 words) to apply your specialist knowledge to and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the discipline. The University of Melbourne provides research students with 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 (Thesis Only) provides 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 (Thesis Only) can act as a pathway to a Doctor of Philosophy – Arts degree. The Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHSS) 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.

200 point program (2 years full-time / 3 years part-time)

Students are required to complete:

• 30,000 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 detailed information please see the Handbook entry for the course.

View Handbook entry

Career outcomes for the Master of Arts (Thesis only) allow you to take a step in the right direction. You'll have a head start pursuing:

• Higher research and academia
• Consultancy
• Managerial positions

In order to be considered for entry, you must have completed: A four-year honours degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% o

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