researchprogram

overview
Applicants should be aware that these higher degree programs are undertaken by research, not by coursework. It is essential, therefore, that candidates have a capacity for independent investigation of the proposed area of study. If you are primarily interested in acquiring software or media production skills through a formal taught course, then this is not a suitable program for you. Instead you are advised to consider either AIM's coursework program, or the excellent TAFE courses offered elsewhere within the School.

eligibilityrequirements
Applicants who have successfully completed a Bachelor or Honours degree with distinction or higher in an appropriate discipline and/or have extensive experience in the relevant industry may be considered for MA candidature. Applications are evaluated on the prior academic performance of the applicant, the quality and scope of the draft research proposal and its relevance to the School's research agenda, and by an interview and portfolio of creative work. Applicants are expected to have a solid body of relevant practical or professional experience around which to frame their research topic. Places are only offered on the basis of the School's capacity to provide appropriate supervision and expertise.



researchproposal
Candidates must present a proposal based on original research which demonstrates competence in bibliographic review, designing an investigation, gathering and analysing information, evaluating evidence and synthesising, drawing conclusions, critical self appraisal relative to the work of others, presenting information in a manner consistent with publication in the relevant discipline and the ability to carry out supervised research in the field.

Each research proposal is accredited individually according to its own unique aims and objectives. The research may be undertaken either by thesis or by project (e.g. publication to CD ROM, film, video or Web document, real-time environments, an exhibition, installation, or other appropriate public presentation).

Research at this level usually builds upon knowledge and expertise acquired during previous academic or professional endeavours. If you choose an area of research in which you have had no prior experience, then you will need to factor into your proposal a period of time to learn these skills, and more importantly, how you intend to acquire the necessary knowledge, since the centre's program by definition, does not offer formal instruction by coursework. Successful applicants will, of course, become members of a research community which has a wealth of skills that can be shared.

Strategies which enable the program to be completed within the appropriate time-frame, form part of the applicant's proposal. If your proposal relies on moneys, resources and equipment which cannot be provided by RMIT, you will have to propose how these will be obtained.

Obviously your proposal will have to be of interest to the centre of Animation & Interactive Media and of relevance to its research profile and expertise.

Your proposal should align with one of four of the School of Creative Media's main research areas <click here>


researchmethods
Unless you have documented proof that such study has already been undertaken, a Research Methods subject is a compulsory component of this program. These subjects are available in Creative Media, Social Sciences, Computer Sciences, Fine Art, and Media Arts. These subjects will help you find the appropriate methodology in order to design a logical proposal for a well-structured research investigation.

timeline
Successful applicants need to work on developing and refining their research proposal for submission from the date of their enrollment. Full time students have 6 months, and part time students 10 months in which to get their application for candidature accredited by the School's Research Committee.

durationworkload
Master of Arts by Research
Full-time: 1.5 years minimum, 2 years maximum
Part-time: 3 years minimum, 4 years maximum

Doctor of Philosophy
Full-time: 2 years minimum, 3 years maximum
Part-time: 4 years minimum, 6 years maximum

Minimum weekly study hours: 40 hours full-time, 20 hours part-time.

In certain circumstance periods of leave are allowed up to a maximum of one year.

It is important that you choose a project or area of research which will maintain your interest and enthusiasm for the duration of your studies. Feel free to discuss your ideas with the staff. For staff expertise <click here>