Master of Visual Arts (MVAT) - MVA

This program is offered only to continuing students. No new admissions will be accepted. Students who are interested in this study area should contact us.

Contact us

Current students

Telephone 1800 007 252 (within Australia freecall), +61 7 4631 2285 (from outside Australia), email usqassist@usq.edu.au or submit a question via USQAssist.

Program focus

The program is offered by applied research which extends studio expertise while demonstrating a strong theoretical understanding of practice. The structure, content and demands of the program are designed to prepare students for practice at a high level in the arts industry.

Program aims

The program aims to provide an opportunity for graduates and suitably qualified visual artists to pursue in depth practical and theoretical studies and to develop their practice to a higher artistic and academic level in the particular studio disciplines offered within the Visual Arts programs; drawing, print-making, painting, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, cross disciplinary studies, multimedia, gallery studies and theory.

Candidates for the degree are expected to attain a level of achievement and conceptual understanding in the discipline which is significantly higher than that expected for a Bachelor or Honours degree. The coursework aims to provide a high degree of understanding of contemporary cross-cultural issues and research processes for visual arts praxis in Australia.

Program objectives

On successful completion of the program students should:

• demonstrate a high level of ability within their chosen practice

• demonstrate a valuable contribution to their chosen field of practice

• demonstrate advanced skills in planning, researching and writing a dissertation

• demonstrate advanced skills in conceptualising, planning and researching studio-based work culminating in a public exhibition, performance or publication

• demonstrate an empirical understanding of cross-cultural issues as they relate to the visual arts

• make a demonstrated contribution to knowledge and/or culture.

The Master of Visual Arts program is offered by applied research, which extends studio expertise while demonstrating a strong theoretical understanding of practice. The program is designed to meet the requirements of the Visual Arts discipline. The structure, content and demands of the program are designed to prepare students for practice at a high level in the arts industry.

Admission requirements

• Applicants for entry to the Master of Visual Arts will normally hold a with not less than Class II B from USQ or another recognised university, and demonstrated significant achievement in a relevant field of practice.

• Submission of a written research proposal accompanied by documentation and portfolio as appropriate. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of creative, analytical and critical skills appropriate to the objective of the proposed study.

• Applicants may be required to undertake additional appropriate supplementary reading and/or preliminary studies in theory and/or research methods in preparation for advanced study in their field.

In rare and exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not meet the criteria stated above may be admitted to the program if they can demonstrate through a portfolio, curriculum vitae, and written statements that their studio work and theoretical understanding are at least equal to that of graduates possessing the above qualifications.

International applicants must have met the University's English language requirements or have completed the University's ELICOS/UNIPREP program.

Program fees

Student contribution amount

For domestic students who are offered Commonwealth supported places, the Government pays some money directly to the University, but students are also required to make a contribution. This contribution is called the ‘student contribution’. For more information about student contribution amounts, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ fees.

Tuition fee

Domestic fee-paying places are funded entirely through the tuition/direct fees paid by the student. Tuition/direct fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. For more information about Tuition Fees, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ Fees.

International fees

International students pay tuition fees. For details about international student fees, refer to the International Fee Schedule provided by USQ International.

Program structure

The program comprises 12 units of which four involve studio-based applied research and dissertation studies and two are in Post-Colonial studies.

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 5 years to complete this program.

In this section:

• Recommended enrolment pattern - Full-time
• Recommended enrolment pattern - Part-time

Recommended enrolment pattern - Full-time

This program is no longer available for admission. Students currently enrolled in this program are requested to contact their Program Coordinator on telephone +61 7 4631 1126 or email studyarts@usq.edu.au to discuss an appropriate study plan.

Recommended enrolment pattern - Part-time

This program is no longer available for admission. Students currently enrolled in this program are requested to contact their Program Coordinator on telephone +61 7 4631 1126 or email studyarts@usq.edu.au to discuss an appropriate study plan.