The Master of Contemporary Art serves as a bridge between undergraduate study and independent art practice. The focus of the course is twofold: to develop an individual, professional art practice and a deeper understanding of how this practice intersects with contemporary art.

The emphasis in the first year is on experimentation, speculation and engaged dialogue with staff and other students in an on-campus independent studio setting. In the second year, you will identify an area of independent research to investigate via a year long studio project, which culminates in an assessment and public exhibition in the annual Masters exhibition. Tuition is conducted through a seminar programme and individual tutorials, with support from an assigned Academic Advisor. Throughout the degree you will have opportunities to access a wide range of professional opportunities including graduate intensives, group and solo exhibition, and local and international travel.

Who is this course for?

The Master of Contemporary Art offers as an intensive graduate program for artists wishing to return to formal study, or an entry point to tertiary education for artists who lack formal qualifications but have significant professional experience, including those of recognised ability who have been unable to undertake or complete an Honours year.

This is a 200 credit point, 24-month full-time program.

The Graduate Diploma of Contemporary Art is an exit qualification for students who have successfully completed the first year (100 points) of the course should the decision be made to not continue into the second year. The Graduate Diploma cannot be applied for directly.

Graduate pathways

Upon completion of the program, graduates can select to undertake further study in one of our research master degrees.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates will have developed:

• Expert skills in planning and organising their own studio work and utilising their time effectively to suit the demands of their developing methodologies
• Ability to analyse historical and contemporary art methodologies relevant to their practical work
• Advanced skills in investigating through experiment, areas of practical relevance from a wide range of historical and contemporary sources
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary art practice, including skills and techniques relevant to their developing practice
• Advanced communication skills in articulating verbally opinions, ideas and observations with regard to their work and the work of others, in group and individual teaching and learning situations.

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed: a bachelor degree or equivalent in a non-cognate area, or six years of documented relevant professional work experience;

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.