Master of Arts (Research)

Programme Code: SRSRMAFTCV05

Our MA (Research) programme is a research-focus programme, where the candidate undertakes full-time research leading to the completion of a dissertation between 30,000 - 50,000 words. Like our PhD programme, an applicant has to attend an interview session with academic representatives from the Faculty of Creative Arts. The applicant is only accepted into the programme if their nominated supervisor in the Faculty agrees to supervise the applicant. We therefore strongly encourage prospective students to contact one of our teaching staffs to explore supervisory arrangements.

Besides writing a longer thesis totaling 30,000 - 50,000 words, candidates are required to co-author a journal article with their supervisor(s) and have the article accepted for publication before they qualify for graduation. Therefore, the programme is designed for more advanced applicants who have a background in the arts and humanities who already possess experience in academic writing and research. The duration of the course is 3 semesters minimum and 8 semesters maximum.

	Programme Educational Objectives
PEO 1	Graduates will demonstrate a critical and deep understanding of boundary knowledge by generating substantial and original contributions to the field and/or practice of Music & Performing Arts and Visual Arts.
PEO 2	Graduates will engage in lifelong learning, interdisciplinary and professional practices for career development.
PEO 3	Graduates will lead the society in contributing to cultural knowledge, innovative and creative skills.

	Programme Learning Outcomes
PLO1	Apply knowledge and skills in the field of Music and Performing Arts or Visual Arts.
PLO2	Generate solutions to problems in the field of Music and Performing Arts or Visual Arts using critical thinking skills.
PLO3	Conduct research in the fields of Music and Performing Arts or Visual Arts based on specialised methodology.
PLO4	Communicate effectively with experts in the field and general audience.
PLO5	Apply suitable digital and analytical technology in Music and Performing Arts or Visual Arts research.
PLO6	Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills in Music and Performing Arts or Visual Arts research.
PLO7	Demonstrate lifelong learning or entrepreneurial initiatives in Performing Arts or Visual Arts research.
PLO8	Conduct Music and Performing Arts or Visual Arts research, adhering to legal, ethical and professional practice.

The only module that MA (Research) candidate is required to attend is a course on Research Methodology (3 credits). A candidate may be required to attend other courses as prescribed by the Faculty of Creative Arts, if deemed necessary. Additional requirements will be stated in the offer letter issued to successful applicants.

Candidates in our MA (Research) programme are required to complete three components of the programme:

Complete 1 coursework module

MA research.png

Co-write one journal articles with supervisor(s) during candidacy, with article accepted for publication before graduation.
Complete a research dissertation of 30,000 - 50,000 words under the supervision of a Faculty academic staff.

GRADUATE ON TIME (GOT) SCHEDULE

During your time here with us, you might have come across the phrase ‘Graduate on Time’ being mentioned from time to time. ‘Graduate on Time’ (GOT) is a university wide initiative to create awareness among postgraduate students and academics the importance of graduating within an achievable time period. With GOT, we propose a more systematic learning programme to help you complete your studies sooner rather than later.

Please note that candidates in our MA (Research) programme have a minimum duration of 2 semesters and a maximum duration of 8 semesters. GOT for MA (Research) candidates is within 4 academic semesters of study.

SEM	ACTIVITIES	OUTPUT/MILESTONE
1	**Register for Part I: Courses
- Attend Bahasa Melayu course

Attend English Language course **
Come up with a study plan to decide on programme specific and elective courses to take as suitable foundation for research area of interest
Attend relevant workshops/ research seminars organised by UMLibrary (Compulsory: EndNote, Turnitin, Stylewriter)
Complete Research Methodology course

Register for Part II: Dissertation

Consult coordinator / supervisor to determine broad area of interest to research on
Choose a research topic from a list collated by programme coordinator

** For international students. | OUTPUT OF SEM 1

Completed Bahasa Melayu course
Completed English Language course
Completed a portion of required courses
Familiarised with EndNote, Turnitin, Stylewriter
Identified research topic | | 2 | - Complete all courses in Semester I and Semester II
Research Plan (Gantt Chart)
Plan data collection procedures (identify research site, seek permission)
Prepare proposal and present at Proposal Defence
Attend upskill courses | OUTPUT OF SEM 2
Completed all courses
Completed Proposal Defence
Completed draft of chapters 1 and 2 (Approved by supervisor)
Attended upskill courses | | 3 | - Undertake fieldwork/research
Analyse and write up research
Decide on Conventional or Article-style Thesis Format
Expand Research Proposal into a full draft dissertation.
Prepare and present Candidature Defence
Prepare 1 article for publication | OUTPUT OF SEM 3:
Conducted fieldwork/research
Written analysis chapters
Completed a full draft of dissertation (Approved by supervisor)
Completed Candidature Defence
Submit 1 article for publication | | 4 | - Submit Recommendation of Dissertation Title
Finalise all chapters
Submit dissertation for examination | OUTPUT OF SEM 4:
Submitted Recommendation of Dissertation Title (early semester)
Completed research dissertation
Submitted dissertation for examination | | | Once the dissertation is submitted, examiners have up to 3 months to evaluate the thesis and write up their reports. When all the reports are submitted to the Postgraduate Office, a committee of examiners meeting will be held to determine the final result. | Result:
Distinction
Pass without amendments
Minor corrections (within 3 months)
Major corrects (within 6 months)
Reexamination (within 6-12 months)
Fail |

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