Message from the Dean

The Faculty of Arts is proud of its large and talented postgraduate student body: we have nearly 600 research students studying for Master of Arts by research, Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Social Sciences and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

In 2008, 71 postgraduate research students in Arts were awarded Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS), Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA) or University Postgraduate Awards (UPA).

We have nearly 900 coursework students studying for either their master's, graduate diploma or graduate certificate in Arts, or a number of other degrees in the humanities and social sciences. Our coursework programs provide an opportunity to extend your knowledge in a discipline you love, explore innovative interdisciplinary programs such as Asian Studies, European Studies, Film Studies, Development Studies, and Crosscultural Communication, or focus on one of our vocational programs offering specialised training in such areas as Media Practice, Strategic Public Relations, Professional Communication, Digital Communication, Human Rights, Museum Studies, Publishing, and Peace and Conflict Studies. In 2009, we will offer new programs in Art Curatorship, Health Communication and Translation Studies. We are proud of the high quality of these programs and courses, which attract students across Australia and internationally, from Asia, Europe, Pacific countries, and from North and South America.

The Faculty of Arts gives you many opportunities to study a range of courses and to carry out research in your chosen field, so that you can acquire knowledge and skills at a very high level of competence, while participating in our community of scholars. In formal and informal settings, in course seminars, in meetings with your research supervisor, in lectures and papers given by distinguished members of the academic staff, visitors and other students, in discussion with fellow postgraduate students, you will be able to enhance your education in a stimulating environment which values scholarship and research.

There are a number of important resources in the faculty. The Postgraduate Arts Research Centre (PG ARC) is an excellent centre for postgraduate research students where work stations and computer facilities at two sites are available on a shared basis and access is provided day and night, seven days a week.

PG ARC2 provides a dedicated completion space, with allocated desks for research candidates in their final year of study. The Director of PG ARC organises a regular postgraduate seminar, where students participate in discussions about research and ideas in a range of disciplines, expanding their own knowledge and educational experience. PG ARC has generated a strong research culture, where students discuss their ideas and research findings in a very collegial atmosphere.

The Library at the University of Sydney is one of the finest in Australia. The Faculty of Arts also offers extensive multimedia, computing and language learning facilities to support your studies.

If you require information about any postgraduate matters, I recommend that you contact the Chair in the department where your studies are located, and the postgraduate advisers in the Faculty of Arts office. The Associate Deans for postgraduate students (who can also be contacted through the faculty office), are important contacts who can assist with any additional information.

As Dean of the Faculty of Arts, I am delighted that you are considering undertaking a postgraduate degree at the University of Sydney, or have already made your decision to study with us. I hope that you find the information in this book useful in making your choice about postgraduate studies, and your time at the University stimulating and rewarding.

Professor Stephen Garton
Dean of Arts