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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.

More information

Please note: The School of Social and Political Science is not considering applications for the Master of Arts (Thesis Only). The intakes into Anthropology, Criminology, Development Studies, Political Science and Socio-Legal Studies have been suspended until further notice.