INTRODUCTION
The Master of Contemporary Arts is a three-semester programme for professional artists run by the School of Contemporary Arts within the Faculty of Communications and Creative Industries at ECU. It provides contemporary arts studies at the highest academic level through research, dissertation and exhibition. The course will be undertaken externally by artists within their own studios, with support from local supervisors and on-line delivery of theoretical units.

It is based on the view that artistic endeavour comprises both practice and theoretical investigations, and both are to be understood as research. The course has been constructed to reflect the intertwined character of theory and practice. The first semester of the course is designed not just to consolidate the students’ pre-existing skills but to extend their skills base and theoretical knowledge, enabling them to understand their work better within a larger historical and social context.  The second and third semesters represent a sustained opportunity for the production of new work (text and practice), and building on the discoveries made while undertaking previous units.

The course is designed for individuals who define themselves primarily as artists, and who either have established a credible track record as practising artists or have shown a level of achievement and dedication in prior study, which indicates a strong potential for a career based around a contemporary arts practice. It is therefore expected that the majority of a student's time will be dedicated to the practical component of the programme (Studio Units).

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must apply directly to the University.  Applicants will be expected to be professional artists of high standing.  Candidates for the Master's degree are expected to present original work which demonstrates a substantial development in relation to the candidate's prior practice, combined with intellectual and critical rigour of a high standard. Entry to this course will not normally be available to students who have only recently completed an undergraduate programme in this field. The interviewing panel will normally comprise the Head of School, post graduate course co-ordinator and at least one lecturer from the Faculty relevant to the field.  Qualified applicants will subsequently be invited to submit a portfolio, a proposal of the practical project to be carried out on the Master programme, and a statement outlining their reasons for seeking admission.

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates are expected to:

* usually hold a first degree or equivalent in a relevant field from a recognised institution;
* demonstrate professional status with recent practical experience in the contemporary arts; and
* submit a written proposal of work to be undertaken during the Master programme.

CRITERIA

Entry to the Master of Contemporary Arts programme will normally be based on the following criteria:

* Quality of portfolio of practical work.
* Quality of undergraduate academic record (normally above average or highly competent marks for the relevant studio units in the undergraduate degree or its equivalent).
* Curriculum vitae and written and verbal statements regarding the proposed project. Candidates whose professional practice is considered by the interview panel to be equivalent to the above criteria will also be considered for entry to the program. All applicants will be asked to provide the names of two referees (e.g., lecturers or other appropriate persons) who would be willing to comment on their artistic and academic competence. Availability of places will depend on the School's capacity to accommodate the proposed practical studio work and to supervise it.