Research Degrees
The Australian Centre currently has over 40 postgraduate research students, and offers a friendly, supportive and stimulating environment for postgraduates.
We see ourselves as providing opportunities to develop innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to postgraduate research, drawing theoretical nourishment from a range of disciplines. We encourage our postgraduates to avoid overly narrow definitions of what constitutes a "thesis", and to take an interdisciplinary and imaginative approach to their projects. This includes being alive to the issue of what it means to be a "writer".
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy is a major research degree, consisting of an independent research thesis of some 80,000 words, conducted under individual supervision. A PhD requires three years full-time study (or part-time equivalent).
The Australian Centre also offers the option of a PhD research degree involving a creative work such as an exhibition, film or script, combined with a of at least 40,000 words.
Master of Arts in Australian Studies (by Thesis)
The Master of Arts is a 1.5 year degree (or part-time equivalent) that aims to develop independent research and analytical skills, with a research thesis of 30 000 words.
Master of Arts Australian Studies (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
This research degree gives students the opportunity to combine coursework (2 subjects) with a shorter thesis (of 20,000 to 22,000 words), conducted under individual supervision. Entry usually requires an Honours degree with a H2B average. Normally, the degree requires 1.5 years full-time study (or part-time equivalent). Candidates may, subject to approval, convert from this degree to a Doctor of Philosophy.
Master of Arts (International Studies) (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
This research degree is an alternate pathway that combines 2 coursework subjects from the Master of International Studies coursework degree, along with a shorter thesis (20,000 to 22,000 words), conducted under individual supervision by an appropriate supervisor from any participating department in the Faculty. Normally, the degree requires 1.5 years full-time study (or part-time equivalent).