About the Master of Arts

The Master's by research degree requires you to deepen your knowledge of your discipline area and develop advanced skills in the conduct of independent and sustained research.

As a Master's by research candidate, you will undertake a supervised research project that culminates in the submission of a thesis for examination. Upon completion of your candidature you must demonstrate through your thesis that you have acquired an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more disciplines. A Master's by research degree may also serve as an entry into a PhD. A Master's by research candidate is eligible to apply for entry into a PhD if they meet the individual entry requirements of the particular degree and have completed their degree.

The following conditions must be met in order to gain admission into a Master's by research degree:

Entry requirements and pathways
International students

Academic entry requirement

Prerequisites

The basic academic requirement for entry to a Master of Arts at La Trobe is a three-year Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline completed within the last ten years with a weighted average mark of 65 or above.

Note: An applicant may be considered for entry with an overall weighted average mark below 65 if their weighted average mark for the final year of study is 65 or above.

(i) Entry into the Research specialisation (thesis only) requires possession of an Australian Honours degree or equivalent, including the completion of a research thesis.

(ii) The coursework specialisations require possession of an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with a weighted average mark of 65 or above.

(iii) The minimum academic requirement for La Trobe applicants wishing to transfer to Master of Arts from a Bachelor (Honours) is a weighted average mark of 65 or above.

Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

English language requirement

6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.

Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of other accepted English Proficiency tests and additional recognised English Language Proficiency Measures, such as English as the language of instruction.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated course fees for international students

Estimated fees per year (2023):A$34 600 per EFTSL (equivalent full-time study load).

Scholarships:Not available for this course

The International estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.

International scholarships

This course is not eligible for international scholarships.