Master of Contemporary Art creative application requirements

The Master of Contemporary Art has additional requirements used as part of the selection process. Find out everything you need to know about the creative tasks and interview process.

To be considered for selection into the Master of Contemporary Art, you need to submit a course application and prepare a written proposal and folio. If you're shortlisted, you'll need to attend an interview.

If you have also applied for the Master of Fine Arts (Visual Art), you will be interviewed for both at the same interview. You must submit a separate application for both courses.

You must read the How to Apply information on the course page, as well as these creative tasks and interview requirements.

Start year intake 2027 timeline

Before August 2026

Review the entry requirements and how to apply information on the Master of Contemporary Art course page.

3 August 2026

Applications open.

By 31 October 2026

Submit your course application direct to The University of Melbourne.


Upload your folio as part of your creative tasks via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom).

Graduate Access Melbourne application due (domestic applicants only).

10-12 November

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.

What to prepare

Your written proposal should be a maximum of 500 words in length, outlining:

  • Conceptual and research framework for new works to be explored during the course, with the technical, material and other requirements (e.g. studio space, teaching expertise), and
  • Recent visual art practice and contemporary artists or writers who influence work.

Your folio should consist of, or document, recent work relevant to the study proposal. Your folio should include:

  • A maximum of 10 images or a maximum of 8 minutes of video.

Curriculum vitae (CV)

Upload a CV detailing all qualifications, relevant employment or professional experience.

If you are shortlisted, you will be required to attend an online interview via Zoom to discuss your application and portfolio. The interview will run for approximately 20 minutes.

At your interview, you may be asked about your:

  • Motivation for undertaking the course
  • Knowledge of, and engagement with contemporary art
  • Involvement with arts industries and communities
  • Use of materials in recent work
  • Ambitions for developing new work during the course
  • Academic achievements, professional experience, and examples of collaborative arts activities.

Inclusivity and accessibility

The University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychological abilities. Should you be required to attend an interview, you will be asked if you have any accessibility requirements during the interview booking stage.

How to submit your selection tasks

Your written proposal and folio must be uploaded and submitted via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom). We recommend allowing plenty of time to prepare and submit your creative tasks. Applications received after the published closing date cannot be accepted.

How you'll be assessed

All applicants will be ranked according to the outlined criteria, up to the capacity of places in the course.

The written proposal will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Quality of the conceptual framework for the proposed study
  • Feasibility of the written proposal aims and objectives, including the proposal’s logistics and occupational and safety requirements
  • Your understanding of how your visual art practice is connected to contemporary art practice and theory

The folio will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Alignment of work to the written proposal
  • Level of technical and conceptual ability in the production of artworks
  • Experience in exhibitions and industry recognition
  • Self-criticality and self-awareness

The interview will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Motivation for undertaking the course
  • Depth and quality of knowledge of, and engagement with contemporary art
  • Involvement with arts industries and communities
  • Articulation of their own practice and aspiration
  • Ability to communicate technical and creative ideas
  • Knowledge about own practice, its context, and histories