Apply now, Master of Arts (Research) Graduate School of
Humanities and Social Sciences
As of 2015, the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences will only be accepting applications for Graduate Research study to commence in Semester 1. No midyear intake will be offered. Students are also required to commence the degree by the first week of Semester 1, 2015. Students who cannot meet this timeline will need to submit an application for entry in Semester 1, 2016. Applying for a research degree is different to applying for a coursework degree. Please complete the following steps. Step 1 - Check the entry requirements and make sure youre eligible Please read through the Application Checklist before proceeding with your application and refer to the Entry requirements to see if you are eligible to apply. All applications must also satisfy the University's English Language Requirements. Step 2 - Identify if appropriate supervision is available You can find a potential research supervisor from our list of sponsors to suit your proposed area of specialisation. Alternatively you can contact the Graduate Research Administrator in the relevant school to assist you with identifying if appropriate supervision is available for your research. View contacts from each school below: Asia Institute, Robyn Borg School of Culture and Communications, Gabrielle Grigg Historical and Philosophical Studies, Sarah Gloger Language and Linguistics, Sarah French Social and Political Science, Mary Duffy Once you have found a potential supervisor you can contact them with your research proposal and writing sample (see below). If they agree to supervise your project, you then make a formal application. Step 3 - Prepare a research proposal and writing sample In addition to the Graduate Research Degrees University application requirements, the GSHSS requires applicants to submit a 2,500 word thesis proposal and 5,000 word writing sample. A research proposal of 2,500 words A research proposal is not a statement of your beliefs or of what you want to prove, its a topic or question that you wish to examine objectively. It must focus on a particular issue or question The research proposal is the starting point for your thesis and is often considered as even more important in your application than your previous academic marks. Your research proposal should include a brief introduction and conclusion, with the following outline: The specific area of your intended research, with a clear title. A brief summary of the key literature in this field. A sketch of the key research questions you hope to answer. A description of the methodology required to conduct this research. This information will assist the School selection committee to make a qualitative assessment amongst the many applications received for available places. It will also enable the School selection committee to ensure that appropriate expert supervision is available, as well as the resources necessary to facilitate your proposed research. A writing sample of 5,000 words In addition, you are required to provide a 5,000 word sample of your recent work. This could be an extract from your Honours thesis, or a recent essay or paper that demonstrates your research and writing abilities. Its also important to provide a brief explanation of the context, ie whether this is a chapter from your thesis, or a 4th year essay, or a paper writing in a particular context. Ensure both documents are labelled with your name, the School to which you are applying and the date. You will be advised to proceed with an application should supervision be available. When you have confirmation that supervision is available, you may proceed with your application and apply using the University of Melbourne's on-line application forms. Step 4 - Submit an Application Australian students Complete the Application for admission to graduate research degree candidature and scholarship form. Submit by the application deadline - October 31. Applications not submitted with the required documentation in time for this selection round cannot be considered for entry. Late or incomplete applications will be held over until the next selection round in the following year. International students International Students can submit an application at any time; however we encourage students to submit prior to any relevant scholarship application deadline. Please see the University's Future Students website to find out more about important dates, visas, how to apply and related information. Complete the Application for admission to graduate research degree candidature and scholarship form or apply through one of the University of Melbourne's overseas representatives.