RMIT School of Art Higher Degree Research programs admissions information 2017 Master of Fine Art (Research) – MR208 PhD Art – DR208 Image credit: Rhett D’Costa, Between Dreaming and Dying, 2016 RMIT University acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations as the traditional owners of the land on which the University stands. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges Elders both past and present. the definition of research The Federal Government decrees what fundable research is and it ratifies or discredits training institutions accordingly. IN order to be a fully registered and fully funded research university that is permitted to confer degrees, RMIT must align to these regulations. The Australian Government funds research and research training and permits the conferral of degrees on the basis of the definition supplied in HERDC Specifications as follows: Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes. This definition of research is consistent with a broad notion of research and experimental development (R&D) as: comprising of creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humanity, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. the definition of research TRAINING Australian Qualifications Framework Like the definition of ‘research’, the regulations covering training in the Australian Qualifications Framework are clearly specified and non-negotiable. They can be summarised as follows. To be ratified and funded, universities must train their research students so that graduates demonstrably acquire the following capabilities: - Communication and technical skills to present a coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences - Technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge (Level 9, AQF, 2nd Edition, p. 60) - Communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions - Communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community - Expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice (Level 10, AQF, 2nd Edition, p. 64) Australian Qualifications Framework 1/3 The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework. AQF level 1 = Certificate I AQF level 2 = Certificate II AQF level 3 = Certificate III AQF level 4 = Certificate IV AQF level 5 = Diploma AQF level 6 = Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree AQF level 7 = Bachelor Degree AQF level 8 = Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma AQF level 9 = Masters Degree AQF level 10 = Doctoral Degree Australian Qualifications Framework 2/3 AQF level 9 criteria (applies to Master by Research) Summary: Graduates at the level will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning. Knowledge: Graduates at this level will have advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. Skills: Graduates at this level will have expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice to independently: - Analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories - Research and apply established theories to a body of knowledge or practice - Interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences Application of knowledge and skills: Graduates at this level will apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner or learner. Australian Qualifications Framework 3/3 AQF level 10 criteria (applies to PhD) Summary: Graduates at the level will have systematic and critical understanding of a complex field of learning and specialised research skills for the advancement of learning and/or for professional practice. Knowledge: Graduates at this level will have systematic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the frontier of a discipline or area of professional practice. Skills: Graduates at this level will have expert, specialised cognitive and technical and research skills in a discipline area to independently and systematically: - engage in critical reflection, synthesis and evaluation - develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice - disseminate and promote new insights to peers and the community - generate original knowledge and understanding to make a substantial contribution to a discipline or area of professional practice Application of knowledge and skills: Graduates at this level will apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar. Master of Fine Art (Research) program code: MR208 Program duration: 2 years full time or 4 years part time. Program learning outcomes: Graduates of the Master of Fine Art will have developed mastery in artistic research in their Time commitment: Research candidates undertake their study 48 chosen field by undertaking a substantial and rigorous research project. weeks of each calendar year (with allowance for 4 weeks annual leave). Full time candidates are expected to spend 4 days per week researching Graduates of a Master of Fine Art by research will have: and part time candidates 2 days per week. - a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent development in Purpose of the program: one or more disciplines The Master of Fine Art (Research) is a postgraduate project-based - advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field research degree. The program has a pluralistic and interdisciplinary of work or learning focus and cross-disciplinary dialogue is encouraged to enrich each - cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect student's experience and knowledge. critically on theory and its application - cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise The MFA offers a rigorous, supportive and dynamic environment where complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply the investigation of ideas and material practice pertinent to artistic established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice research sits alongside and informs the production of art. Central to - cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas the program is a balance between studio practice and the conceptual and concepts at an abstract level and theoretical concerns that underpin the making of art. - cognitive and technical skills to design, use and evaluate research and research methods Candidates work with a broad range of media. These include - communication and technical skills to present coherent and sustained installation, sculpture, ceramics, hybrid and spatial practices, sound, argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist performance, media arts, video, painting, printmaking, drawing, audiences photography, and gold and silver smithing. Candidates are encouraged to consider the artistic, cultural and social position of their research and - technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, to draw upon trans-disciplinary practices and enquiries. theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge The program attracts candidates from diverse backgrounds, age groups Graduates of a Master of Fine Art by research will demonstrate the application of these and nationalities, including leading art practitioners, students knowledge and skills: with creativity and initiative to new situations and/or for further graduating directly from undergraduate programs and artists returning learning - with high level personal autonomy and accountability - to plan and execute a to postgraduate study to enliven their practice. Candidates engage with substantial piece of research. their peers to develop extended dialogues and provide critical support for each other’s research. Candidates undertake a major project that culminates in an exhibition, performance or presentation of work for assessment that is accompanied by a dissertation including visual and sonic documentation of the work undertaken during the program. entry requirements Master of Fine Art (Research) – MR208 English Language Requirements Applicants for masters by research programs must have completed one A minimum IELTS (academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band of the following from a recognised higher education institution: below