Faculty of Arts School of Historical Studies

Research degrees

Areas of study in the School of Historical Studies: History, Australian Studies, Classics & Archaeology, Cultural Materials Conservation.

Research degrees:

Master of Arts by Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis

This research degree gives students the opportunity to combine coursework 2 subjects) with a shorter thesis (of 20,000 to 22,000 words), conducted under individual supervision. Entry usually requires an Honours degree with a H2B average. Normally, the degree requires 1.5 years full-time study (or part-time equivalent). Candidates may, subject to approval, convert from this degree to a Doctor of Philosophy.

102JC: Master of Arts in History (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
102BD: Master of Arts Australian Studies (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
102IO:  Master of Arts in International Studies (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)

Application information: Arts Faculty website.


Master of Arts by thesis only

The Master of Arts by thesis aims to develop independent research and analytical skills. Entry usually requires an Honours degree with a H2B average. The degree involves an independent research thesis of 30,000 words, under individual supervision. Normally, the degree requires 1.5 years full-time study (or part-time equivalent). Candidates may, subject to approval, convert from a Masters degree to a Doctor of Philosophy.

102JB: Master of Arts in History (by Thesis)
102BA: Master of Arts in Australian Studies (by Thesis)
102CE: Master of Arts in Classics and Archaeology (by Thesis)
102CS: Master of Arts in Cultural Material Conservation (by Thesis)
102JT: Master of Arts in Jewish Studies (by Thesis)

Application information: Arts Faculty website.


Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A major research degree, consisting of an independent research thesis of 80,000 to 100,000 words, conducted under individual supervision. Entry requires an Honours degree with at least a H2A average. A PhD requires three years full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

131-701: Doctor of Philosophy (by Thesis)
The Doctor of Philosophy is available in History, Australian Studies, Classics & Archaeology, and Cultural Materials Conservation. The Australian Centre also offers the option of a PhD research degree involving a creative work such as an exhibition, film or script, combined with a dissertation of at least 40,000 words.

Application information: Arts Faculty website.


Further information about research areas and supervision in individual disciplines is available on discipline websites:


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