Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
The Master of Arts is a flexible, postgraduate degree that allows you to undertake a bespoke research project on a topic of your choice. It will equip you with deep knowledge to bolster your CV, demonstrate your expertise and prepare you for a PhD should you wish to continue your studies.
At CDU, you can choose a research topic that aligns with one of the following focus areas:
- Cultural and creative research
- Indigenous research methodologies
- Indigenous policy development
- Indigenous engagement
- Yolgnu languages and culture
You'll benefit from access to an expert, dedicated research supervisor, who will support you to think critically and creatively. You'll be guided to shape a research thesis or piece of coursework that is unique, carefully considered and robust in its findings.
In a world where opinions are rife, but facts and considered thought may not be, your ability to critically evaluate ideas, concepts and information will set you apart.
Career opportunities
A Master of Arts is a great way to deepen and strengthen your knowledge and skills across a wide range of professional careers from the creative arts to Indigenous policy. The course offers the opportunity to credit the work you are doing on existing projects towards your study.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Both Commonwealth supported (CS) and full fee (FF) places are available for this course. If you would like to apply for a CS place use the SATAC code 1CM098. If you would like to apply for a FF place you will need to use the SATAC code 1CM598 or UAC code 873250.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2024 is AUD $34,248.00. This equates to $ $4,281.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
What will I study?
The course is comprised of 160 credit points of core and elective units. The core units are designed to be undertaken consecutively with elective units, which make up the remainder of the course requirements.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (2 units) | 30cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 30 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) |
| Specialist Electives A (3-9 units) | 90cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 90 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: CULTURAL AND CREATIVE RESEARCH Units totalling 90 credit points selected from unit options detailed below: INDIGENOUS RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES Choose the following units totalling 30 credit points: Units totalling 60 credit points selected from units detailed below: INDIGENOUS POLICY DEVELOPMENT Choose the following units totalling 60 credit points: Units totalling 30 credit points selected from units detailed below: INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT Choose the following units totalling 50 credit points: Choose units totalling 40 credit points selected from units detailed below: YOLNGU LANGUAGES AND CULTURE Choose the following units totalling 40 credit points: IAS541 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 Choose units totalling 50 credit points selected from units detailed below: |
| Specialist Electives B (up to 4 units) | 40cp | Choose 40 cp from any of the Specialist Elective A units identified above or from approved Masters level units from across CDU offerings, or approved cross-institutional enrolments from other universities. |
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
FULL TIME - SEMESTER 1 ENTRY
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
PART TIME - SEMESTER 1 ENTRY
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
FULL TIME - SEMESTER 2 ENTRY
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | ||
PART TIME - SEMESTER 2 ENTRY
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | Specialist Elective A or B | SE |
| Year 5 | |||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective A or B | SE | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree, or equivalent international qualification.
International entry pathway
International Pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU International Masters Qualifying Program (ZMQP01) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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