Students enrolled in the Master of Art Theory undertake a program of independent, supervised research over two years full-time (or the equivalent part-time) and produce a written thesis. This research degree in Art History and Theory offers training in research methodologies, their critical evaluation and application. In certain cases art work may be submitted in support of the written thesis, where it is appropriate to make an argument through a visual or time-based form. Each research student is allocated a supervisor with knowledge of the field. In addition, at least one co-supervisor is appointed. Students are expected to meet regularly with the supervisor. Contact with other staff and postgraduate students is maintained through participation in the postgraduate seminar program.

Please refer to the Program Description.

Please contact the College of Fine Arts for information.

The degree of Master of Art Theory by research may be awarded by the Council on the recommendation of the Standing Committee of the College of Fine Arts [hereinafter referred to as the Committee] to a candidate who has demonstrated ability to undertake research by the submission of a thesis embodying the results of an original investigation. The degree shall be awarded with the grade of Honours Class 1 or with the grade Honours Class 2.

Qualifications
1. A candidate for the degree shall have been awarded an appropriate degree of Bachelor with Honours from the University of New South Wales or a qualification considered equivalent, from this, another university or tertiary institution at a level acceptable to the Committee.

2. In exceptional cases an applicant who submits evidence of such other academic and professional qualifications as may be approved by the Committee may be permitted to enrol for the degree.

3. If the Committee is not satisfied with the qualifications submitted by an applicant the Committee may require the applicant to undergo such assessment or carry out such work as the Committee may prescribe, before permitting enrolment.

Enrolment
1. An application to enrol as a candidate for the degree shall be made on the prescribed form which shall be lodged with Faculty Administration at the prescribed time before the commencement of the session in which the enrolment is to begin.

2. In every case, before making the offer of a place, the Committee shall be satisfied that initial agreement has been reached between the School of Art History and Theory and the applicant on the topic area, supervision arrangements, provision of adequate facilities and any coursework to be prescribed and that these are in accordance with the provisions of the guidelines for promoting postgraduate study within the University.

3. The candidate shall be enrolled as either a full-time or part-time student.

4. A full-time candidate will present the thesis for examination no earlier than two years and no later than three years from the date of enrolment and a part-time candidate will present the thesis for examination no earlier than four years and no later than six years from the date of enrolment, except with the approval of the Committee.

5. The candidate may undertake the research as an internal student i.e. at the College or as an external student not in attendance at the College except for periods as may be prescribed by the Committee.

6. The research candidate will normally carry out the research at the College except that the Committee may permit a candidate to spend a period in the field, within another institution or elsewhere away from the College provided that the work can be supervised in a manner satisfactory to the Committee. In such instances the Committee shall be satisfied that the location and period of time away from the College are necessary to the research program.

7. The research shall be supervised by a supervisor or supervisors who are members of the academic staff of the School or under other appropriate supervision arrangements approved by the Committee. Normally an external candidate within another organisation or institution will have a co-supervisor at that institution.

Progression
1. The progress of the candidate shall be considered by the Committee each session following report from the School in accordance with the procedures established within the School and previously noted by the Committee.

2. A candidate for the degree shall be required to submit to such assessment or conditions as prescribed.

Thesis**
1. On completing the program of study a candidate shall submit a thesis embodying the results of the investigation.

2. The candidate shall give in writing to the Faculty Manager two months notice of intention to submit the thesis.

3. The thesis shall present on account of the candidate's own research. In special cases work done conjointly with other persons may be accepted, provided the Committee is satisfied on the candidate's part in the joint research.

4. The candidate may also submit any work previously published whether or not such work is related to the thesis.

5. Three copies of the thesis shall be presented in a form which complies with the requirements of the University for the preparation and submission of theses for higher degrees.

6. It shall be understood that the College retains the three copies of the thesis submitted for examination and is free to allow the thesis to be consulted or borrowed. Subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act, 1968, the College may issue the thesis in whole or in part, in photostat or microfilm or other copy medium.

** or equivalent work as determined by the Standing Committee.

Examination
1. There shall be no fewer than two examiners of the thesis, appointed by the Committee, at least one of whom shall be external to the University unless the Committee is satisfied that this is not practicable.

2. At the conclusion of the examination each examiner shall submit to the Committee a concise report on the thesis and shall recommend to the Committee that:

a) The thesis merits the award of the degree;

b) The thesis merits the award of the degree, subject to minor corrections, as listed, being made to the satisfaction of the Head of School;

c) The thesis requires further work on matters detailed in the examiner's report. Should performance in this further work be to the satisfaction of the Committee, the thesis would merit the award of the degree;

d) The thesis does not merit the award of the degree in its present form and further work as described in the examiner's report is required. The revised thesis should be subject to re-examination;

e) The thesis does not merit the award of the degree and does not demonstrate that re-submission would be likely to achieve that merit.

3. If the performance in the further work recommended under 6.2(c) above is not to the satisfaction of the Committee, the Committee may permit the candidate to re-present the same thesis and submit to further examination as determined by the Committee within a period specified by it but not exceeding eighteen months.

4. The Committee shall, after consideration of the examiners' reports and the results of any further examination, recommend whether or not the candidate may be awarded the degree. If it is decided that the candidate be not awarded the degree the Committee shall determine whether or not the candidate be permitted to resubmit the thesis after a further period of study and/or research.

Fees
A candidate shall pay such fees as may be determined from time to time by the Council.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html