Master of Arts (Art in Public Space)

Master of Arts (Art in Public Space)

POSTGRADUATE

Study public art and explore site installations in public spaces and community art programs.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$30,720 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$40,320 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Melbourne City

Please note: This course is not longer available for commencing students.

Overview

Seize the opportunity to contribute to the diversity of practice in art in public space, where you may explore commissioned or uncommissioned work, and through this, contribute to the evolving practice.

This degree brings together both education and research and encourages active collaboration between art and design practitioners and the community. You will address issues within art in public space that are central to current international cultural debate. You will gain a broad understanding of discourses and practices of public art by examining current definitions of public space, and learning to deal with the challenges that arise from such definitions.

You will explore multiple views of how art is presented and received in the urban context and address questions such as:

  • Where are the spaces that enable art to be an active interpretation, rather than decoration, of the city?
  • Who should define policies for public culture?
  • How can art negotiate the new spaces of the contemporary public sphere, such as the internet?

Why choose the Master of Arts (Art in Public Space) at RMIT?

Supportive community

Enjoy a cohesive learning environment with small groups, individual practices, collaborative projects and peer-to-peer discussions.

Gain real-world experience

Hone your practice with access to dedicated studios, equipment, public art opportunities and projects developed with industry.

Learn from industry

Engage with lecturers who are practising artists, experienced creative practice researchers and a specialised technician.

Portrait of Ilana Russell, Master of Arts (Art in Public Space) at RMIT - Ilana Russell, Master of Arts (Art in Public Space)
I wanted to pursue postgraduate study in Art in Public Space at RMIT so that I could strengthen my producing practice through expanding my curatorial and artistic methodologies in public art. The program was really beneficial in recontextualising my practice and building up my own modes of inquiry into public space through the model of site-responsive artist residencies and laboratories.

Details

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As a student of this degree, you will have access to dedicated studios, equipment and specialised technical advice to realise your projects across a range of sites.

You will have lecturers who are practising artists and creative practice researchers with extensive experience in their field, as well as access to expertise of a technician. You will also have access to the PS50 public exhibition program and other on-site projects that are developed with non-government organisations, government, community and cultural organisations, cultural institutions and industry partners.

Early in the degree, the focus is on collaborative projects that expose you to new ideas and methods of working. Throughout your study you will develop projects that reflect your specific interests and will culminate in a major project that is assessed through documentation in a research catalogue and public presentation at a postgraduate conference.

The Master of Arts (Art in Public Space) nurtures a cohesive learning environment by combining small group and individual practices and encouraging collaborative projects and peer-to-peer discussions.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

In this degree, you will have the opportunity to work directly with leading-edge industry partners through practical research projects.

You will have access to public art opportunities and projects developed with government and non-government organisations, community and cultural institutions, and industry partners. In previous years, we have worked with Melbourne Water, City of Hume, City Space Architecture (Bologna, Italy) and Heide Museum’s Centre for Projection Art.

The content of this degree is global in outlook. International opportunities available to you include residencies, field trips, exchanges and study tours. Students have the opportunity to collaborate and work with peers from around the world including London, Italy, The Netherlands and China.

The capstone experience of this degree will bring together your comprehensive research and catalogue in a presentation at the Art in Public Space postgraduate conference.

  • 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing).
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.   

The Graduate Certificate in Art in Public Space and Graduate Diploma in Art in Public Space are available as exit awards of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters program is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with one of these programs, you must have completed all courses specified in the relevant program structure.

  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing).
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.   

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Throughout your degree you will complete core subjects, including multiple studios, and subjects that cover critical frameworks, research, and professional creative practice.

In addition to your core subjects, you will also have the opportunity to select multiple electives that allow you to further specialise and hone your practice.

This degree is designed to be focused on you: your interests and your practice. You will develop your experience as a practitioner working in the public realm. You will reflect on your specific interests and develop projects that reflect your research interests.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Arts (Art in Public Space)
Program code: MC281
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Arts (Art in Public Space)
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, reduced duration available
MC281
103235B
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, reduced duration available
Plan code
MC281
CRICOS
103235B
View plan
Master of Arts (Art in Public Space)
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC281
103235B
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC281
CRICOS
103235B
View plan

Please note: This program is not currently available for commencing students.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

As a graduate of the Master of Arts (Art in Public Space), you will have the skills required to produce public art projects in professional environments, and the expertise to work in the field of criticism and specialised arts management. Graduates are often employed as client representatives and public art project, business and site managers.

Public art is an expanding field of arts practice that is increasingly supported by government in Australia and overseas. Due to the strong industry support, the field is continuously developing new and inventive arts practices.

Graduates will be qualified for such roles as:

  • practicing artist
  • cultural development officer specialising in public art
  • art in public space project manager
  • curator specialising in public art.

Architects and designers also undertake this degree to further develop their careers in their existing fields.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or
  • have at least 5 years of relevant work experience or professional practice.

To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application a CV and a personal statement that details your experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Semester 1, 2025

You must complete and submit the Art in Public Space selection task. Please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

Entry into this program is competitive and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task dates, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Timely applications 30 November 2024
Late applications 28 February 2025

Selection task requirements

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Describe your current practice. This statement could include: art, design, performance work (include any website links) and the interests you want to address with this program (maximum 250 words).

Your folio should be a package of images that may include but are not limited to: drawings, sketches, paintings, models, photographs, and/or digital works that describe your practice. You should include a description of the concepts/ideas/context that lead to the works represented in your folio.

Submission instructions

You may upload your folio in a single PDF or supply a URL to your online folio or website, containing a maximum of 20 pages (maximum size 10MB). If your work is a collaboration, please detail precisely your role, and the role of the collaborator/s (maximum 200 words).

Interview

Most applicants will be selected based on their selection task and will not be required to attend an interview. If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to an interview.

Semester 2, 2025

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early 2025.

You must complete and submit the Art in Public Space selection task. Please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

Entry into this program is competitive and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
All applications TBC

Selection task requirements

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early 2025.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree or equivalent overseas qualification.

You may also be considered if you have at least 5 years work experience or professional practice.

To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application a CV and a personal statement that details your experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 170kb) along with your application. 

Interview: You may be required to attend an interview. This can be conducted in person, via Skype or telephone.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications specialising in fine art, you will be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this program, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including PhD (Art), subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications specialising in fine art, you will be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$30,720 (2025 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

Sorry, this qualification is not available for local (domestic) students.

Information for local students

Sorry, this qualification is not available for local (domestic) students. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information or to discuss your study options.

 

Information for international students

If you are an international student, please select 'switch to international' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information