Master of Contemporary Art

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

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University of Melbourne

Australia , Melbourne

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

075494G

Campuses

Southbank

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMarch-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 42,976 / year

Next Intake March-2026

Master of Contemporary Art

About

Overview

Online information session: Meet your future Academics (Thursday 26 June)
Join us for our online information session to gain further insight into the post-graduate programs available in your area of interest. You will have the chance to meet, interact and ask questions with our academics and immerse yourself in the world of the VCA.

Register

The Master of Contemporary Art serves as a bridge between undergraduate study and independent art practice. The focus of the course is twofold: to develop an individual, professional art practice and a deeper understanding of how this practice intersects with contemporary art.

The emphasis in the first year is on experimentation, speculation and engaged dialogue with staff and other students in an on-campus independent studio setting. In the second year, you will identify an area of independent research to investigate via a year long studio project, which culminates in an assessment and public exhibition in the annual Masters exhibition. Tuition is conducted through a seminar programme and individual tutorials, with support from an assigned Academic Advisor. Throughout the degree you will have opportunities to access a wide range of professional opportunities including graduate intensives, group and solo exhibition, and local and international travel.

Who is this course for?

The Master of Contemporary Art offers as an intensive graduate program for artists wishing to return to formal study, or an entry point to tertiary education for artists who lack formal qualifications but have significant professional experience, including those of recognised ability who have been unable to undertake or complete an Honours year.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have completed:

An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, OR
At least six years of documented relevant professional work experience.

You must also submit a supplementary application:

A written proposal, AND
A portfolio

Shortlisted applicants will also be required to attend an interview.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

As part of the supplementary application, the Selection Committee will also consider your written proposal, portfolio, and if relevant to your application, your professional history.

Your written proposal must be uploaded to the supplementary application via the SlideRoom form as follows:

Maximum length of 500 words, AND
Detail conceptual and research framework for new works to be explored during the course with the technical, material and other requirements (e.g. studio space, teaching expertise), AND
Contain recent visual art practice and contemporary artists or writers who influence work.

Your portfolio must be uploaded to the supplementary application via the SlideRoom form as follows:

Include a curriculum vitae (CV), AND
Comprise a maximum of 10 images or 8 minutes of video documenting recent work relevant to your written proposal.

If your application is shortlisted, you will also be invited to and assessed on your performance in an interview.

English Program Requirements

English language test score requirements

If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0

TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60

CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169

*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

Career

Graduate pathways

Upon completion of the program, graduates can select to undertake further study in one of our research master degrees.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates will have developed:

Expert skills in planning and organising their own studio work and utilising their time effectively to suit the demands of their developing methodologies
Ability to analyse historical and contemporary art methodologies relevant to their practical work
Advanced skills in investigating through experiment, areas of practical relevance from a wide range of historical and contemporary sources
Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary art practice, including skills and techniques relevant to their developing practice
Advanced communication skills in articulating verbally opinions, ideas and observations with regard to their work and the work of others, in group and individual teaching and learning situations.