The Master of Arts by Research degree program involves the completion of three courses, a thesis proposal and a research thesis. The degree is completed in either three or four sessions (full-time). It is designed for students wishing to engage in serious research but not able to devote the three years required to complete a PhD or with a research project which does not lend itself to that level of extended treatment. Clear indication of potential to undertake research is required, either through a relevant Honours degree or through a period of professional work following a relevant undergraduate degree.

The Master of Arts by Research degree program is designed for students wishing to engage in serious research. It involves the completion of three courses, a thesis proposal and a research thesis which encourages initiative and originality in research.

A full-time student in the program would normally enrol in three coursework courses (in consultation with their supervisor) in the first session of study. The second session of study involves the completion of a thesis proposal. Year 2 of study concentrates on the completion of a 30,000 word thesis.

Optional courses for Postgraduate Research students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:

Interdisciplinary Faculty Courses
ARTS5020 Effective Interview Techniques
ARTS5022 Qualitative Research Methods
ARTS5023 Quantitative Social Analysis
ARTS5024 Thesis Writing for Arts and Social Sciences Research Students
ARTS5025 Teaching in the Arts & Social Sciences
ARTS5026 Theories of Community and Difference
ARTS5060 Developing a Research Proposal

Health, Sexuality and Culture
ARTS5040 Bodies, Habits and Pleasures
ARTS5042 Researching Sex and Drugs B

International Studies and Global Transformations
ARTS5050 International Studies and Theories of Global Transformations
ARTS5051 Global Political Economy, International Development and Human Security

Environmental Policy and Management
ARTS5029 Natural Resources Policy Management
ARTS5035 Structured Reading Program A
ARTS5036 Structured Reading Program B
and optional courses available on application

1. The degree of Master of Arts by Research may be awarded by the Council on the recommendation of the Postgraduate Affairs Committee of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (herein after referred to as the Committee) to a candidate who has satisfactorily completed a program of advanced study.

2. (1) A candidate for the degree shall:
(a) have been awarded an appropriate degree of Bachelor with Honours from the University of New South Wales at a standard not below Honours Class 2 or a qualification considered equivalent from another university or tertiary institution;
or
(b) have been awarded an appropriate award of Graduate Diploma by Research or appropriate Master by Coursework at an average of Distinction from the University of New South Wales or a qualification considered equivalent from another university or tertiary institution;
or
(c) have had at least two years professional experience of a kind acceptable to the Committee AND have been awarded an appropriate degree of Bachelor from the University of New South Wales or a qualification considered equivalent from another university or tertiary institution,
and
(i) satisfy the Committee that the qualification is at a level and of a character indicating research potential;
or
(ii) submit other evidence satisfying the Committee of their research potential.
(2) In exceptional cases an applicant who submits evidence of such other academic and professional qualifications as may be approved by the Committee may be permitted to enrol for the degree.
(3) If the Committee is not satisfied with the qualifications submitted by an applicant, the Committee may require the applicant to undergo such assessment or carry out such work as the Committee may prescribe, before permitting enrolment.

3. (1) An application to enrol as a candidate for the degree shall be made on the prescribed form which shall be lodged with the Registrar at least two calendar months before the commencement of the session in which enrolment is to begin.
(2) To qualify for the award of the degree a candidate shall:
(a) undertake such formal courses and pass such assessment as prescribed;
(b) obtain 24 units of credit in approved coursework; and
(c) complete a thesis proposal;
(d) submit a thesis demonstrating the capacity to conduct, under supervision, an original investigation on an approved topic;
(e) the research thesis shall be completed in no fewer than two and no more than four sessions for a full-time candidate, or no fewer than four and no more than eight sessions in the case of a part-time candidate.
(3) No candidate shall be awarded the degree until the lapse of a minumum of three academic sessions from the date of enrolment in the case of a full-time candidate or six sessions in the case of a part-time candidate.

4.There shall be not fewer than two examiners of the thesis or project report, at least one of whom shall be external to the University unless the Committee is satisfied that this is not practicable.

5. A candidate shall pay such fees as may be determined from time to time by the Council.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

Successful completion may be used as an entry path to PhD study.