Master of Contemporary Art Practices

The Master of Contemporary Art Practices is aimed at artists who want to develop a more ambitious, independent contemporary art practice. The program extends a student’s practical, theoretical and conceptual knowledge in order to develop a deeper understanding of contemporary practices in context of how artists work in a range of disciplines. Contemporary artists respond to the challenges and questions that arise in an increasingly global and technologically advanced world. Their approaches are diverse, combining materials, methods and subjects that extend their practice. Artists today increasingly problem solve, collaborate with a variety of partners, and think and work outside of the traditional boundaries that distinguish a contemporary practice. This graduate program is unique as it supports hands on learning development in workshop, studio and digital environments by progressing students through courses that support individual practice-led research opportunities. Students are encouraged to undertake a range of approaches to contemporary art practice, including a focus on specialist knowledge of materials and skills, testing new conceptual methodologies, and/or solving problems through cross-disciplinary or hybrid experiences. Students benefit directly from and contribute to the research environment found within the School of Art and Design.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must present one of the following:

The GPA for a Bachelor program will be calculated from (i) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades and/or (ii) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades other than those from the last semester (or equivalent study period) of the Bachelor degree. The higher of the two calculations will be used as the basis for admission.

Other Requirements: Completion of an interview, and successful assessment of a portfolio of works and other supporting material is also required.

Due to course availability, international students are eligible to start this program in Semester 1 only.

Ranking and English language proficiency: At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. In line with the University's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors. Applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of:

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

Further information: English language admission requirements and post-admission support

Career Options

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.

Employment Opportunities

The School of Art and Design is a major stakeholder in Australia’s national contemporary art sector. SOAD graduates participate in and contribute to the arts, sustaining and developing an independent practice or business, or work within the creative industry sector. MCAP students will have the opportunity to develop their professional practice by broadening their networks, build new audiences and graduate with a competitive edge. Students will complete this program with a more informed and developed awareness of their art practice, its direction and how it is situated within the fields of contemporary art and practice-led research. They will graduate with new, distinctive bodies of work; be ready for exhibition or production; and be prepared for future opportunities, including applying to residencies, collaborations, grant applications and/or awards. Students may be ready to apply to higher level degrees, such as the Masters (Advanced). This program aligns with the Australian Government’s forecast that to meet the demands of a changing workforce it is important to maximise opportunities for students in the 21st Century. [i] This program will extend students’ practical, theoretical and conceptual knowledge in order to develop a deeper understanding of contemporary art practices in context of how artists work today. Students will graduate with the necessary creative qualifications and skills contributing to different value chains and knowledge exchange in a range of industries.