Masters by Research (By Thesis Only)
Course code: 102CS
INTRODUCTION
The Masters by Research is aimed at students who wish to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in cultural material conservation. The course will culminate in the production of a research thesis of 30,000 words.
The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in cultural material conservation.
Candidates who demonstrate appropriate capacity, may advance to the Doctor of Philosophy degree after successful completion of the Masters. Those who demonstrate substantial progress, and whose research topic is of sufficient merit, may apply to convert from the Masters to the PhD during their candidature.
The program may be undertaken over 18 months full-time or 3 years part-time.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The Centre will consider applications from students who have a four year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline area with at least an H2B (70%) level average Or a three year undergraduate degree in cultural material conservation or equivalent with at least an H2B (70%) level average in relevant subjects, and at least five years of documented professional work experience as a conservator.
In considering applicants, the Selection Committee will take into account their likelihood of success in completing the research and writing the thesis. In making its decision the Selection Committee will consider the applicant's proven capacity for research, their industry experience and publication record, and the research potential of the proposed topic will be major considerations for entry into the program.
The Selection Committee may require the applicant to provide referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.
Applicants require an overall English language score of not less that IELTS 7.0, with a minimum score on each band of not less than 6.0.
Qualifications for entry must have been acquired within the last ten years preceding the year for which entry is sought.
Course co-ordinator: Robyn Sloggett
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants for the Master of Arts by Research are strongly advised to contact the course coordinator at the Centre, in the first instance, to discuss their proposed area of research. A preliminary research proposal of at least 600 words is required before submitting a formal application. Applicants should provide as much information as possible about their research interests and should outline the area of intended research. The proposal should indicate familiarity with important relevant literature in the area. A comprehensive literature review is not required at this time, however a short bibliography should be included. This information is needed to determine whether the University of Melbourne can provide the supervision and the resources to facilitate the proposed field of research.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
MA graduates in Cultural Material Conservation (by Thesis Only) from the University of Melbourne will be able to:
- demonstrate a thorough knowledge of cultural material conservation principles, methodologies and best practice standards
- demonstrate a capacity for articulating conservation research questions and the appropriate methodologies for investigating them
- have an understanding of the role of cultural material in the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of individuals, communities and nations
- can access, appreciate and contribute to national and international debates, protocols and conventions relevant to cultural material conservation
- can act as informed advocates for cultural material conservation and play a leadership role within the sector, actively engaging in critical policy issues
- bring an appreciation of cultural diversity, community sensitivities and a changing social context to the scientific and historical paradigms that exist within the cultural heritage and conservation sectors
- can apply critical and analytical skills and methods, and a cross disciplinary understanding and approach, to the identification and resolution of conservation issues
- can express research findings in lucid, well constructed arguments which use appropriate scientific and social conventions of documentation
In addition, graduates will develop the following, more generic, skills:
- a respect for intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
- the capacity for independent critical thought and self directed learning
- an openness to new ideas
General information about Master of Arts by research, as well as application forms can be found at the Arts Faculty website.
An example of previous research at the Centre
William Strutt 1825-1915
Bushrangers, Victoria, Australia 1852 (1887)
oil on canvas
Gift of the Russell and Mab Grimwade Bequest 1973
The University of Melbourne Art Collection
Visible light photograph with superimposed infra-red reflectograms reveals significant changes in Strutt's underdrawing.