Master of Arts (Research) at FASS

Info session for the Master of Arts (Research) in FASS at UTS
Thursday 17 October 5.00-630pm. Register Zoom room: 863 764 5831 Passcode 345711

Introducing the FASS Master of Arts (Research)

How much does it cost?
Domestic students who are Australian citizens or Permanent residents do not pay a tuition fee. For these students the degree comes with a two-year tuition-offset scholarship under the Australian Government’s Research Training Programme (RTP). If you are an international student, you pay full tuition fees, and you have to be in Australia with a student visa.

How long does it take?
The Master of Arts (Research) is 2 years full time, or 4 years part-time. If full-time, you will do three research training subjects in the first year and complete your thesis by the end of the second year. There are two internal assessments you need to complete, one at 9 months and one at 18 months. Before the end of your candidature you need to submit a thesis for external examination.

Do I need a thesis supervisor?
Yes, you will need two thesis supervisors. You may choose them from a list we can provide, or you can approach an academic you already know in our Faculty and this person can help you find a second supervisor.

Do I have to be on campus?
The Master of Arts (Research) is based on an independent research project you complete under the supervision of your thesis supervisors. However, there are three subjects to help you with research training. These subjects are mainly online with a couple of days on campus, with regular on-campus research seminars.

Does the degree give me research training?
Yes, you complete three subjects in your first year: ‘Academic Research Practice’; ‘Theory and Narrative’; ‘Method and Discovery’. These subjects build research skills and help you develop your thesis topic.

Can I do a thesis in my discipline or professional area?
There are 15 thesis options to choose from:  Communication; Creative Writing; Critical Pedagogy and Social Change; Criminology; Digital and Social Media; Education; Global Asian Studies; International Studies; Journalism; Mathematics and Numeracy Education; Media Arts and Production; Music and Sound Design; Society, Politics and the Environment; Special and Inclusive Education; Strategic Communication.

Can I do a ‘non-traditional’ thesis?
A traditional Master of Arts (Research) thesis is 40-50,000 words. A ‘non-traditional’ thesis can be a creative work such as a novel or a film; it can also be a work-related professional project. With the ‘non-traditional’ option you write a dissertation of 20-25,000 words.

Can I transfer to PhD?
If you pass the assessment at 9 months and have your supervisors’ support, you can apply for a course transfer to PhD. If accepted, your tuition-offset scholarship will be extended to 4 years, and you will be eligible to apply, in a competitive process, for a PhD stipend scholarship.

Am I eligible?
You must have completed a UTS recognised Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or have evidence of professional qualifications demonstrating your potential to pursue graduate research studies.

What do I need to apply?

1. 1. Emails from two thesis supervisors who have agreed to supervise you.
2. 2. A research proposal on a topic of your choice that is developed under the guidance of the proposed supervisors.
3. 3. Certified transcripts of all your previous studies, awards and other evidence.
4. 4. Two letters of recommendation from academics or professionals.
5. 5. A detailed CV.
6. 6. English-language requirements: https://www.uts.edu.au/study/international/essential-information/english-language-requirements

Please see details here: https://www.uts.edu.au/research-and-teaching/graduate-research/future-research-students/apply-research-degree/prepare-your-documents

When should I apply?
You can apply anytime through the year whenever the application portal is open, but for the Master of Arts (Research) you can only begin studies between January-February or July-August each year. See the open application periods here: https://www.uts.edu.au/research-and-teaching/graduate-research/future-research-students/apply-research-degree/application-closing-dates

How do I apply?
Once you have all the above documents, please lodge your application here:
https://www.uts.edu.au/research-and-teaching/graduate-research/future-research-students/apply-research-degree/lodge-your-application

What if I have more questions?
Please email FASS.HDR@uts.edu.au

FASS Research Overview: www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/2023-06/UTS-FASS-Research-Overview-2023-low.pdf