Course description
About the course
The Master of Arts (Interpretive Writing) recognises the many forms that art writing may take outside of the traditional thesis, such as biography, catalogue articles, reviews, encyclopedia and dictionary entries, and documentary. Students will have the opportunity to carry out their research on gallery and museum collections, or exhibition planning.
The course is a 2 year part-time, 64 point degree by coursework. The degree will enable students to develop their skills and complete a substantial project, in particular in the areas of curatorial projects, writing for exhibitions, and museology. Diverse forms of descriptive, analytical, critical and reflective writing for the arts are engaged.
The three subjects undertaken offer a methodology of theories of criticism, a critical reading and research subject, and a writing for the arts project that utilises the research, critiquing and analytical writing skills gained.
Where it will take you
This course enables students to complete a postgraduate vocational degree of particular appeal to those who have undergraduate studies in art related areas (art history, art theory, or studio-based art) and who wish to extend their skills in the art industry.
The course is designed for teachers and practitioners who will gain direct benefit from these skills, and those who may already be employed in the art sector as gallery assistants and curators. They may currently be called upon in the course of their work to write about the arts, or in media roles where review and critique of the arts is required.
Professionals teaching you
The teaching staff includes members of the Art History and Visual Culture discipline who have wide experience in areas of art writing from extensive careers writing reviews for newspapers and magazines, and experience in biography writing. In addition, they have professional curatorial experience at local, state and national level. Their backgrounds include journalism and art gallery curatorship, and staff have acted as consulting editors and contributors for encyclopedia entries, and worked on the development of art documentaries for ABC TV.
Depending on project proposals, there will be the opportunity to undertake internship experience liaising with industry professionals in the art gallery and museum sector, or wider visual and performing arts sectors where appropriate.
Your course is recognised by industry
The course has been developed in liaison with the art gallery and museum sector to prepare students for professional industry practices.
The latest facilities
The course is offered in DE mode, and is taught on-line utilising a Forum.
Hands-on experience
The writing project provides hands on experience and skills in initiating, crafting, honing and editing art writing.
Practical experience
Depending on the project proposals, there are possibilities of internships and working in conjunction with the art gallery and museum sector, or wider performing arts professions.
Graduation requirements
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 64 points consisting of three prescribed subjects.
