This 12 unit course allows students two part time semesters (24 units) of intensive research on completion of a Master of Digital Arts at a distinction level.

It comprises a Studio Practice Plan (10%), a Digital Studio Practice Research project (70%) and an accompanying 5000 wd Exegesis (20%).  Part time students are assessed on completion of the two semester period.

It is aimed at those wishing to consolidate their expertise through working independently on a high level studio-based  project of their choice. The program further prepares students for careers as practicing digital artists, in the media industry, or for employment in public organizations such as galleries and museums or in private enterprise, or for further research-intensive graduate study.

At the completion of 24units of study, students should be able to:

1.  Devise a suitably ambitious and focused studio research project

2.  Develop appropriate experimental and analytical methodologies

3.  Present a coherent body of studio work for assessment

4.  Demonstrate advanced skills and technical expertise with materials and process

5.  Reflect critically on their own work and the work of others

6.  Evaluate the key concerns, developmental processes, contextual framework and outcomes of a studio-based research project

Students enrol in this course for two semesters and are assessed on completion of 24units as follows:

Studio Practice Plan: 10% (1 - 2000 wds) (due week 7, S1) [LO 1]

Digital Studio Practice Project: 70%  (due week 15, S2) [LO 2, 3, 4]

Exegesis: 20% (5-6000wds) (due week 13, S2) [LO 1, 2, 3, 4]

Studio Practice courses are conducted at the School of Art in the relevant Workshop studios, or at other locations by agreement between the student and the Course Convenor. Students are expected to spend up to 16 hours per week undertaking the approved Digital Studio Research project and attend relevant seminars and critiques as specified in each Workshop. Students are also expected to spend up to 24 hours per week on reading and research, visiting galleries or on other visual research.

Prerequisite: Completion of Master of Digital Arts with a Distinction (70%) average.

Students are expected to have competence in the processes and techniques of digital art, and a familiarity with digital environments and equipment.

Practice as research : approaches to creative arts enquiry 
 Ed. Barbara Bolt and Estelle Barrett 
 London: I.B.Tauris, 2007