Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
CDU's Master of Arts (Coursework) is a flexible, postgraduate unit-based course that offers students opportunities to develop competencies in a range of fields, enhance career progression, update skills, and pursue their interests in arts and social sciences. It also offers the usual preparation for students seeking a pathway into Higher Degree by Research programs, such as a Master by Research or a Doctor of Philosophy.
You'll choose to specialise in one of the following areas:
- Social Sciences
- Indigenous Knowledges and Engagement
- Indigenous Languages and Contemporary Social Issues
- Indigenous Research Practice
- Creative Arts
In addition to these specialisations, you can select a Research Option if you'd like to develop research skills and gain research experience alongside your coursework studies. The Research Option may equip students for entry into future HDR programs, depending on the entry requirements of the institution.
Whether you want to consolidate your expertise or forge a new career path, this degree will equip you with the analytical and critical thinking skills you need to succeed.
At CDU, you'll explore unique perspectives on the contemporary issues facing Indigenous Australia, Northern Australia and South-East Asia. Our lecturers are leaders in their fields and are ready to guide and mentor you.
In a world where opinions are rife, but facts and considered thought may not be, your ability to critically evaluate ideas, concepts and information will set you apart.
Career opportunities
A Master of Arts is a great way to deepen and strengthen your knowledge and skills across a wide range of professional careers from the creative industry to Indigenous policy. The course offers the opportunity to credit the work you are doing on existing projects towards your study.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $37,672.00. This equates to $ $4,709.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
What will I study?
The course is comprised of 160 credit points of core and elective units. The core units are designed to be undertaken consecutively with elective units, which make up the remainder of the course requirements.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (2 units) | 20cp | Compulsory core units totalling 20 credit points as per list of units detailed below: IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action |
| Capstone/Research Units (2-4 units) | 30-70cp | Select a Capstone OR Research option of up to 70 credit points selected from one of the options below. CAPSTONE OPTION - 30 credit points OR RESEARCH OPTION - 60 credit points OR CREATIVE ARTS RESEARCH OPTION - 70 credit points |
| Arts Specialisation Specialist Elective Units (3 - 4 units) | 40cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points Students must select ONE specialisation (40 credit points) from the specialist elective units listed under the specialisations below: CREATIVE ARTS SOCIAL SCIENCE INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGES AND ENGAGEMENT INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL ISSUES INDIGENOUS RESEARCH PRACTICE |
| General Elective Units (2-7 units) | 30 - 70cp | General Elective units totalling up to 70 credit points may be selected from postgraduate units (at 500 level or above) offered by the University. Students may select units from any of the approved specialisations (as above), from postgraduate units (at 500 level or above) offered by the University, or by cross institutional enrolment approved by the Course Coordinator.
|
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (160cp)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2026
There have been some course structure changes for the Master of Arts (Coursework) from 2026.
- Core units have reduced from 30 to 20 credit points.
- Specialisation requirement has reduced from 70 to 40 credit points.
- General elective units of between 30 to 70 credit points have been introduced.
Core unit changes:
IAS503 Independent Study has moved from Core units to Capstone/Research units.
Capstone/Research changes:
IAS502 Research Methods 2 has been removed from the Creative Arts Research Option
CRA503 Independent Study has been added to the Creative Arts Research Option
Specialist elective unit changes:
The following units have been removed specialist elective units from the course:
CRA501 Research Methods and Project: for Creative Arts and Humanities
CRA502 Intercultural Project
IAS515 Peace Studies: Understanding Solidarity and Sedition
The following units have been removed from each specialisation but are still available as specialist elective units under another specialisation heading:
Creative Arts
IAS517 Media and Professional Writing
IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts
IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm
Social Science
IAS510 Language, Crime, and the Law: Forensic Linguistics
IAS515 Peace Studies: Understanding Solidarity and Sedition
IAS536 Indigenous Sovereignty and the Challenges of Reconciliation
Indigenous Knowledges and Engagement
IAS539 Intercultural Mediation
IAS548 Healthy Country, Healthy People
Indigenous Languages and Contemporary Social Issues
IAS530 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and Critique of Development
IAS535 Indigenous Peoples in the Context of Colonised Australia
IAS536 Indigenous Sovereignty and the Challenges of Reconciliation
IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts
IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm
IAS548 Healthy Country, Healthy People
Indigenous Research Practice
IAS536 Indigenous Sovereignty and the Challenges of Reconciliation
IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | CS = Capstone | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
CAPSTONE OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS547 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing | CO | IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS602 Intercultural Practice (20cp) | CS | IAS503 Independent Study | CS |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
| Elective | E | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
RESEARCH OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS547 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing | CO | IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | R |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Elective | E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS502 Research Methods 2 | R | IAS802 Master Thesis B (20cp) | R |
| IAS801 Master Thesis A | R | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
| Elective | E | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
CREATIVE ARTS RESEARCH OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS547 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing | CO | IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | R |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Elective | E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CRA503 Research Methods for the Creative Arts (20cp) | R | IAS814 Masters Exegesis (20cp) | R |
| IAS803 Research Exegesis A | R | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | CS = Capstone | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
CAPSTONE OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Elective | E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS547 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing | CO | IAS503 Independent Study | CS |
| IAS602 Intercultural Practice (20cp) | CS | Elective | E |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Elective | E |
| Elective | E | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective | E | ||
| Elective | E | ||
| Elective | E | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
RESEARCH OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Elective | E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS547 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing | CO | IAS502 Research Methods 2 | R |
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | R | IAS801 Master Thesis A | R |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Elective | E |
| Elective | E | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Elective | E | ||
| IAS802 Master Thesis B (20cp) | R | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
CREATIVE ARTS RESEARCH OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | R | IAS803 Research Exegesis A | R |
| CRA503 Research Methods for the Creative Arts (20cp) | R | Elective | E |
| Elective | E | ||
| Elective | E | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS547 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing | CO | ||
| IAS814 Research Exegesis (20cp) | R | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree, or equivalent international qualification.
International entry pathway
International Pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU International Masters Qualifying Program (ZMQP01) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. All applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
Course details
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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