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.