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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

310734 v.1 Master of Arts - Art

MA(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 061490E
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years

Introduction

This course provides the opportunity to intensively develop talents, concepts and expertise in one of the four major study areas currently offered within the Department of Art. The Master of Arts course is designed to enable students to reach a high level of professionalism and qualification in contemporary art practice and related contextual studies. A Master of Art (Art) degree means that students who acquire this degree have achieved something beyond the ability to produce work of technical proficiency. Whilst proficiency and professionalism are valued strong emphasis is placed on the development of the sense of self and a realization of a creative practice in the visual arts. To that end students are encouraged to examine rigorously their philosophical and cultural preconceptions so that they can explore both artistically and intellectually the possibilities of their practice within contemporary culture. The school encourages pluralism and supports a range of diversity of artistic attitudes and students are encouraged to develop any aesthetic or stylistic course they choose. Hence MA (Art) candidates need to reveal a promise of achievement. Students complete a core program of theory and research seminars as part of their Major study. Graduates from the Master program will be able to graduate with one of the following awards: Master of Arts (Visual Arts); Master of Arts (Electronic Arts); Master of Arts (Jewellery Production); or the Master of Arts (Contemporary Textiles).

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

A bachelor degree or equivalent in any related discipline and an ability to demonstrate commitment and potential to benefit from advanced postgraduate studies in visual arts, electronic arts, fashion and textiles or jewellery production. All applicants are interviewed and are required to submit a detailed study proposal supported by a comprehensive folio of recent work. Admission is dependent upon the quality of the applicant's study proposal, the perceived capacity to bring it to a successful conclusion and the Department of Art's ability to support and supervise the work. A limited number of places are available in each year of this course. Applicants are advised to seek early consultation with the course coordinator before submitting a master degree study proposal for consideration.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Post Graduate Diploma in Visual Arts, Postgraduate Diploma in Jewellery Production or Graduate Diploma in Electronic Arts will be considered for recognition of prior learning. While applications will be considered from candidates whose standing as visual arts practitioners recommends them as being capable of benefiting from the master course, such candidates may be required to complete additional studies in Art Theory 491and/or Art Theory 492 if their previous work did not include study of current visual arts language, theory and philosophy.

Duration and Availability

This course is of 18 months full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards II

Graduate Diploma in Jewellery Production; Graduate Diploma in Visual Arts; Graduate Diploma in Electronic Arts; Graduate Diploma in Textiles.

Course Organisation

Through a combination of coursework, project based units and contextual studies students will learn the skills and depth of knowledge required to produce contemporary art solutions and develop a professional art practice. The program is flexible and can be tailored to suit individual interests and professional development. The study program encourages independent research, originality, creative leadership and awareness of the needs of contemporary society.

Professional Recognition

The quality of practical industry skills you may gain are recognised by professional associations such as the National Association for the Arts (NAVA) . Graduates are also eligible for membership in the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA) , Arts Source: The Artists Foundation of Western Australia , National Association for the Arts (NAVA) , and FORM (originally CraftWest).

Career Opportunities

Art Administrator; Animator; Art Project Manager; Art Consultant; Art Writer; Arts Administrator; Computer Games Developer; Curator; Community Arts Professional; Public Arts Professional; Visual Artist; Visual Arts Teacher; Design and Technology Teacher; Web Designer.

Additional Course Expenses

All Master students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. Students intending on taking the Jewellery Production Major will be expected to make provision for the specialist tools required and the purchase of gold, silver and gemstone materials, at an estimated cost of between AUD$1000-$1500 per semester.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
310914 v.1   Electronic Arts Major (Master of Arts - Art) 300.0
  OR  
310917 v.1   Textiles Major (Master of Arts - Art) 300.0
  OR  
310915 v.1   Jewellery Production Major (Master of Arts - Art) 300.0
  OR  
310916 v.1   Visual Arts Major (Master of Arts - Art) 300.0
  300.0

#    This unit may be replaced with an elective unit.

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.