Master of Arts (Interpretive Writing)

course overview

The Master of Arts (Interpretive Writing) recognises the many forms that art writing may take outside of the traditional thesis, such as biography, catalogue articles, reviews, encyclopedia and dictionary entries, and documentary. Students will have the opportunity to carry out their research on gallery and museum collections, or exhibition planning.

The course is a two-year part-time degree by coursework. The degree will enable students to develop their skills and complete a substantial project, in particular in the areas of curatorial projects, writing for exhibitions, and museology.  Diverse forms of descriptive, analytical, critical and reflective writing for the arts are engaged. 

The three subjects undertaken offer a methodology of theories of criticism, a critical reading and research subject, and a writing for the arts project that utilises the research, critiquing and analytical writing skills gained.

The course is offered by distance education, and is taught on-line utilising a forum.

Your course is recognised by industry

The course has been developed in liaison with the art gallery and museum sector to prepare students for professional industry practices.

Hands-on experience

The writing project provides hands-on experience and skills in initiating, crafting, honing and editing art writing.

Practical experience

Depending on the project proposals, there are possibilities of internships and working in conjunction with the art gallery and museum sector, or wider performing arts professions.

Admission requirements

An applicant for admission to candidature shall have an appropriate Bachelor degree, with or without Honours, from an Australian university or equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of three years (full-time equivalent).

An applicant for admission may be accepted without the qualifications specified above. An applicant who does not possess the qualifications listed above, but has some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and/or professional performance which demonstrate to the course coordinator that he/she is capable of successfully undertaking the program, may be accepted into the course.

English Language

Internet Access

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Enrolment pattern and unit details

Read Unit Details

Graduation requirements

To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 64 points consisting of three prescribed subjects.

Sub courses
Master of Arts (Interpretive Writing) Units
English language proficiency
Internet access