Develop advanced research skills
Applications now open
Deepen your understanding in a complex body of knowledge and graduate ready to pursue a career in academic research, higher education, industry and the community sectors.
- Study close to home with opportunities to study from any Victorian La Trobe campus.
- Get real-world experience to complement your research with an internship, available for eligible candidates.
- Gain the ability to generate and assess complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.
- Eligible graduates can use this degree as entry to a PhD
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 thesis-only stream requires possession of an Australian Honours degree or equivalent, including the completion of a research thesis.
(ii) The coursework-and-thesis stream requires possession of a three-year Bachelor 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) in a relevant discipline 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.
Pathways
A pathway is simply an alternative way for a student to get into their dream course - if direct entry isn't an option.
We've listed the 'pathway method and outcome' - which is how you can transfer into the area you want to study, assuming you meet the entry requirements (e.g. minimum WAM). You'll also find an estimate of how long it could take you to graduate, from the start of your pathway to the completion of your dream degree.
| Preferred course | Alternative pathway courses | Pathway method & outcome | Years to graduate including the Pathway course (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
Master of Arts | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) | Graduate and apply for entry into preferred course | 3years |
| Complete honours requirements and apply to transfer into preferred course | 2years |
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
What you'll study
Work-Based Learning
A range of work based learning opportunities are available, including internships, mentoring, and industry-linked projects.
Internships. Candidates who have successfully confirmed their candidature and who are making satisfactory progress may apply to participate in an internship at least one month before they submit their thesis. Refer to the Graduate Research Candidature Policy and associated information.
Candidates will apply separately to participate in an internship through a process detailed on the Graduate Research School website.
For more information visit https://www.latrobe.edu.au/researchers/grs/industry-community
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Mildura
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Master of Arts course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Course intended learning outcomes
- Mastery of theoretical knowledge and ability to reflect critically on theory and its application
- Ability to analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and apply to established theories from different bodies of knowledge or practice
- Ability to generate and assess complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
- Ability to design, use and evaluate research and research methods
- Advanced communication and technical skills to present coherent arguments and disseminate research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Master of Arts career opportunities
This degree will allow you to pursue a career in academic research, higher education, industry, and the community sectors, and can open up more opportunities for further study in a more specialised field. It can also serve as a pathway into a PhD.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Costs and scholarships for graduate research degrees
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Scholarships that may be available for this course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
How to apply for the Master of Arts.
Note: Some courses start earlier than the standard semester, term or study period. Applications for these courses close one week prior. Always check your course’s start date to ensure your application is submitted in time.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Doctor of Clinical Science
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Doctor of Education (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Laws
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Letters
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Midwifery
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, City, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Nursing (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Philosophy
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Public Health (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Doctor of Science
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Social Work (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Applied Science (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, City
COURSE
Master of Business (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Education (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Engineering (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Laws (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Nursing (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Philosophy
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Psychological Science (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Science
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Social Work (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
Overview
Key facts
| Award | Master of Arts |
|---|---|
| Start dates |
Anytime (2026) |
| Duration | 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Fees |
Costs and scholarships for graduate research degrees. |
About the Master of Arts
The Master of Arts 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 of Arts 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 of Arts degree may also serve as an entry into a PhD. A Master of Arts 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 of Arts degree:
- you must meet the minimum entry requirements for the degree as outlined below
- the department or school in which you seek enrolment must be able to provide appropriate facilities, resources and supervision for your chosen area of research.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 – Masters Degree by Research.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Doctor of Clinical Science
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Doctor of Education (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Laws
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Letters
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Midwifery
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, City, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Nursing (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Philosophy
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Public Health (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Doctor of Science
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Social Work (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Applied Science (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, City
COURSE
Master of Business (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Education (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Engineering (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Laws (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Nursing (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Philosophy
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Psychological Science (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Science
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Social Work (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton