Offered By	ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences and Research School of Humanities and the Arts
Minimum	48 units
Academic Contact	paul.pickering@anu.edu.au
Academic Plan	7144XWWHL
CRICOS Code	073482F
UAC Code	832097(MLA (Writing,Wrld Hist Lives)) 835097(MLA (Writing,Wrld Hist Lives))

The Research School of Humanities and the Arts offers a suite of graduate coursework programs in Liberal Arts. Graduate Certificate, Master and Master (Research) are available, with specialisations in: 

• Museums and Collections

• Cultural and Environmental Heritage

• Visual Culture Research

• Writing, World Histories and Lives 

By undertaking a robust and recognized program in the strongly interrelated areas of cultural heritage, museums, collections, visual and material culture studies, students will be offered the opportunity to capitalise on the Research School of Humanities' strong industry connections and partnerships, and to gain first hand experience as well as a deeper understanding of a range of relevant national institutions and professional contexts.  

Courses can be taken toward the award of a named degree in one of the specialised areas, but will also suit Graduate Studies Select students who are interested in undertaking a broader range of courses. 

The Writing, World Histories and Lives specialisation will equip students with a deep understanding of the dynamic impact of economic and social processes of globalization on contemporary culture, the study of history, and literary studies. The courses in this stream offer comparative, transnational, and postcolonial approaches for analysing an increasingly interconnected world. Undertaking courses such as, Key Concepts in Liberal Arts', The World, the Text, and the Critic', Biography and Society', Studies in Bigotry', Public History' and the rise of New Europe' Students will be instructed in globalization theory, theories of cosmopolitanism, comparative literary studies, European studies, intellectual and social history including the study of racism and bigotry, diaspora studies, and biography.  

Who Studies Writing, World Histories and Lives?  

• Graduates who wish to gain a specialist higher degree to enter employment in museums and other collecting and cultural institutions, the public service, and government or non-government organisations with an international focus.

• Individuals who are already working in a variety of humanities areas, both national and international, who wish to use the program for professional development

• Individuals who wish to broaden their knowledge and skills in the areas of public history, memory studies, comparative literature studies, biography studies, and globalisation studies.

• Individuals who wish to broaden their understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of literary production and reception. 

 

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Liberal Arts requires the completion of a four year degree at a recognized University or higher education provider or approved professional experience; OR the completion of the Graduate Certificate in Liberal Arts or equivalent postgraduate degree.

This program is part of an integrated "roll-over" program whereby the Master of Liberal Arts may lead into the Master of Liberal Arts (Research) subject to the applicant meeting the appropriate admission criteria. 

Applicants for direct entry to MLA (WWHL) should have obtained a four year Bachelor degree either as honours or a combined degree from an approved tertiary education institution, with at least Credit level average grades of 65% or better in courses other than first year courses.  For those with a three year degree, a one year graduate certificate (24 unit) in a relevant field OR in exceptional circumstances, relevant professional experience only Recognized Prior Learning. 

For the purpose of admission to the MLA (WWHL), the following are considered to be cognate studies: 

• biography

• english

• history

• philosophy

• politics
 

If credit for RPL is sought a case must be presented in writing to the program convenor. Applications for entry on the basis of RPL only will require submission of a professional portfolio submitted to the program convenor. The portfolio should consist of  

(i) a detailed CV.  

(ii) a statement about relevant duties undertaken as part of the professional experience. This will include a statement of the number of years of professional experience and the work conducted, as well as a statement by the applicant describing how and why this experience is equivalent to completion of an undergraduate degree in a relevant area. 

 (iii)  a writing sample of the kind and to the standard that we would expect of graduates of an undergraduate degree. This might include a professional report, professional recommendations or submission, significance assessment, etc. 

 (iv) two referee's reports that confirm the capacity of the applicant to undertake postgraduate study.

Prerequisites

Applicants for direct entry in the Master of Liberal Arts (Writing, World Histories and Lives) should have a four year Bachelor degree from an Australian university or overseas equivalent.  Those applicants without an Honours degree can achieve ‘equivalence’ with a 3 year (pass) Bachelor degree and completion of the Graduate Certificate of Liberal Arts (Writing, World Histories and Lives).

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.