Online Courses Handbook 2003

301638 v.2 Master of Arts (Media and Information)

Introduction
This research course requires students to spend three months developing and presenting a detailed project plan as part of their candidacy application. They then pursue that research project, guided by supervisors, then submitting a substantial written thesis, in accordance to the University's regulation enabling them to learn, providing high-level skills in individual project management, research techniques, critical thinking and analytical writing as well as detailed knowledge in a specific project area. Students can select to undertake research in one or more of the following fields - Internet Studies, Journalism, Librarianship and Corporate Information Management, Mass Communication, Media Studies and/or Screen Arts including film and television. Students are encouraged to complete interdisciplinary work relating to areas across and within the broader, converging field of media and information.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
An approved bachelors degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, or an equivalent qualification as laid down in the University's Regulations. Some students may, depending on the nature of prior qualifications, be required to undertakerelevant coursework units to assist in course completion with these course work units taken at course commencement. If not eligible for direct entry, students may undertake study at honours level to qualify for entry.

Duration and Availability
The course is by research and normally requires two years of full-time or equivalent part-time study. The School of Media and Information is committed to the provision of high-quality research supervision to off-campus students for part or all of their research.

Course Organisation
This course is studied as a research degree. The content of the degree should be determined in consultation with the School's Director of Research and Creative Production. Students may be required to undertake preparatory coursework units that may increase the stated course duration.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Special Note
It is a requirement that two-thirds of this course is undertaken by research and only one-third by coursework. Students should not enrol in this research degree to receive a related Postgraduate Diploma but rather have undertaken it as a requisite for admission.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Majors, Streams or Other Core Components

99018 v.3 Masters Thesis - Media and Information