Master of Fine Arts (MR-FA) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue the course successfully using the following criteria.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• an honours degree with at least an H2A (75%) weighted average, including a major relevant to the discipline to which entry is sought, or equivalent; or
• a relevant undergraduate degree with at least an H2A (75%) weighted average and two years of documented work experience relevant to the discipline to which entry is sought; or
• an undergraduate degree in any discipline and five years of documented work experience relevant to the discipline to which entry is sought; or
• five years of documented relevant work experience related to the discipline to which entry is sought and demonstrating outstanding artistic ability, together with evidence of ability in academic writing and research or scholarship appropriate for postgraduate study;

Research Proposal, Scholarly Writing and Folio requirement

• applicants must provide a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words;
• applicants must provide a recent example of scholarly writing of 2,000 to 3,000 words; and
• applicants will also be assessed on performance in one or more of an audition, test, interview, workshop, portfolio or folio presentation, as prescribed by the Academic Board for the discipline to which entry is sought.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the selection committee will consider:

• prior academic performance and/or the professional experience;
• the research proposal and recent example of scholarly writing; and
• presentation in one or more formats including audition, test, interview, workshop, portfolio or folio presentation.

3. The selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements. 

The University welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Indigenous Australians who are not otherwise selected will be admitted if the Selection Committee determines that they are likely to succeed in the course. If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, you may like to contact our Faculty’s Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development before proceeding. They can assist you with your application and provide you with additional information about your study options.

For more information on the application process and details of folio, audition, and research proposal requirements visit the Study Hub.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

Creative, Intellectual and Organisational Abilities: Students are expected to have the ability to develop problem-solving skills and to comprehend disciplinary and crossdisciplinary information. Students must have the ability to establish study plans and prioritise objectives and outcomes.

Behavioural and Social Attributes: Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. They must take full responsibility for their own participation and learning. Students also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative environments and must therefore demonstrate a wide range of interpersonal skills which consider the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Disability: For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Seminars: Students are required to participate in seminars where relevant over the period of their candidature.

Last updated: 27 February 2025