Master of Fine Arts (MR-FA) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Fine Arts, the graduate researcher will be able to:

• demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge that includes recent developments in one or more disciplines;
• independently investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice;
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning;
• independently design and execute a substantial piece of research that makes a contribution to knowledge within their field;
• disseminate research findings effectively in the professional arena;
• demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics and integrity.

Generic skills

• an ability to initiate research projects and to formulate viable research questions;
• a demonstrated capacity to design, conduct and report independent and original research on a closely-defined project;
• an ability to manage time to maximise the quality of research;
• an understanding of the major contours of international research in the research area;
• a capacity for critical evaluation of relevant scholarly literature;
• well-developed and flexible problem-solving abilities appropriate to the discipline
• the ability to analyse research data within a changing disciplinary environment;
• the capacity to communicate effectively the results of research and scholarship by oral and written communication;
• an understanding of and facility with scholarly conventions in the discipline area;
• a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of research and scholarship;
• a capacity to co-operate with other researchers;
• an ability to manage information effectively, including the application of computer systems and software where appropriate to the student's field of study.

Graduate attributes