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Master of Fine Arts

Coursework requirements for the Master of Fine Arts

All Master of Fine Arts (MFA) candidates must complete the following units of study:

  • Introduction to Research Methodology
  • Exhibition Practices
  • Critical Analysis in Studio

Please refer to the Postgraduate Research Units of Study section for the outlines.

Graduate School Forum

While not compulsory, MFA candidates are welcome to attend the Graduate School Forum, which is held on Wednesday afternoons during semester time (except public holidays and non-teaching weeks).

 

Master of Fine Arts


These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 (the 'HDR Rule'), the Thesis and Examination of Higher Degrees by Research Policy 2015, the Academic Board resolutions relating to the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the Resolutions of the Faculty and the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended). Up to date versions of all such documents are available from the Policy Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies.

Course resolutions

Part 1: Preliminary

1 Course codes

Code

Course and stream title

RMFINART-01

Master of Fine Arts

Part 2: Admission requirements

2 Eligibility for admission to candidature

(1)
To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean or Associate Dean, an applicant must:
(a)
hold or have completed the requirements for:
(i)  the degree of Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours) from the University of Sydney; or
(ii)  the degree of Bachelor of Visual Arts and the Graduate Diploma of Visual Arts from the University of Sydney; and
(b)
present evidence of having the aptitude required for undertaking the course, by the method nominated, through a research proposal and a portfolio of creative work.
(2)
The Dean or Associate Dean may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of sub-clause (1), provided that the applicant holds a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the Faculty, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).

3 Application for admission to candidature

(1)
In addition to requirements prescibed in the HDR Rule, an applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the Faculty:
(a)
the proposed method of candidature: by thesis comprising a body of creative work for exhibition and a written component; or by written thesis only;
(b)
a proposed course of research and advanced study;
(c)
for applicants wishing to proceed by thesis comprising a body of creative work for exhibition and a written component, a portfolio of creative work reflecting the applicant's recent art practice; and
(d)
for admission to part-time candidature, a statement that the applicant will have sufficient time available to complete the requirements of the degree in accordance with these resolutions.

4 Credit transfer

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the granting of credit for previous studies, including the effect on completion times.

Part 3: Candidature

5 Appointment of supervisor

The Head of Department will appoint a research supervisor and auxiliary supervisor for each candidate in accordance with the HDR Rule and Academic Board policies for postgraduate research higher degree supervision.

6 Control of candidature

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the control of candidature by the University.

7 Location of candidature and attendance

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the location of candidature and attendance by candidates at the University.

Part 4: Requirements

8 Degree requirements

(1)
To satisfy the requirements of the degree all candidates must:
(a)
complete any specified probationary requirements;
(b)
attend any prescribed weekly seminars and Graduate School fora; and
(c)
conduct research on the approved topic.
(2)
Candidates proceeding by written thesis only must also write a thesis embodying the results of the research.
(3)
Candidates proceeding by thesis comprising a body of creative work for exhibition and a written component must also:
(a)
submit for examination, at an exhibition by candidates, a substantial exhibition, screening, performance or installation of works; and
(b)
submit a research paper on an area relevant to the creative work.

9 The thesis and the research paper

(1)
A candidate proceeding by written thesis only shall produce a thesis that:
(a)
meets the requirements specified in the HDR Rule; and
(b)
is in the range of 35,000 to 50,000 words.
(2)
A candidate proceeding by thesis comprising a body of creative work for exhibition and a written component shall produce a research paper that:
(a)
meets the requirements specified in the HDR Rule; and
(b)
is in the range of 10,000 to 12,000 words.

Part 5: Enrolment and progression

10 Probation

(1)
A candidate is normally accepted for candidature on a probationary basis for a period not exceeding one year according to the provisions of the HDR Rule.
(2)
In the probationary period each candidate must:
(a)
complete any specified seminar programs;
(b)
develop and present a refined research proposal to the satisfaction of the Supervisor and Head of Department; and
(c)
demonstrate adequate English language competency for the completion of the degree.

11 Time limits, earliest and latest submission dates

The HDR Rule specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.

12 Mode of attendance

(1)
The attendance pattern for this course is normally full-time in the first year of candidature.
(2)
Candidates may apply to change to part-time candidature thereafter. Visa requirements commonly restrict international students to full-time study only.

13 Discontinuation of candidature

A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

14 Suspension of candidature

A candidate may suspend enrolment from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

15 Leave of absence

A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

16 Progress

A candidate is required to maintain satisfactory progress towards the timely completion of the degree. Progress will be reviewed annually according to the provisions of the HDR Rule.

Part 6: Examination

17 Examination of the thesis

Examination of the thesis will be conducted according to the requirements for the examination of a higher degree by research prescribed in the Thesis and Examination of Higher Degrees by Research Policy 2015.

18 Award of the degree

The degree is awarded at the Pass level only.

Part 7: Other

19 Transitional provisions

(1)
These course resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2016 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2016 who elect to proceed under these resolutions.
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2016 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed within the time limits specified in those resolutions. The Dean or Associate Dean may specify a later date for completion or specify alternative requirements for completion of candidatures that extend beyond this time.

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