The Master of Philosophy (Media, Culture and Creative Arts) is a research-focused postgraduate degree classified at AQF Level 9 that expands knowledge well beyond undergraduate honours or postgraduate diploma level, culminating in a substantial original research thesis. Unlike coursework-based master's degrees, this qualification requires at least two-thirds of the study program to consist of independent, supervised research, with any coursework components playing a supporting rather than central role. Students undertake an in-depth investigation into one or more of the converging fields of media studies, cultural studies, journalism, screen arts, digital media, internet studies, librarianship, and creative arts practice — producing work that must demonstrate a genuine and original contribution to knowledge in their chosen area. The degree is typically completed in two years full-time or equivalent part-time, and is offered at several Australian universities.

This qualification is designed for intellectually motivated graduates who wish to pursue deep, discipline-specific inquiry into the social, cultural, political, and creative dimensions of media and the arts. Graduates are supervised by academic specialists and are encouraged to undertake interdisciplinary research that spans and connects the broader fields of media, culture, and creative production. Employers of graduates span a wide spectrum: universities and research institutes, national broadcasters and media organisations, government arts bodies such as Creative Australia and state arts councils, film and screen agencies, galleries, museums, cultural heritage institutions, publishing houses, digital content and communications firms, and the non-profit cultural sector. The research skills developed through this degree are also highly valued in policy, advocacy, and consulting contexts.

To be admitted into a Master of Philosophy (Media, Culture and Creative Arts) in Australia, applicants typically require a bachelor's degree with honours (at least Second Class Honours, Division A or B) in a relevant discipline such as media studies, communications, journalism, cultural studies, creative arts, film and screen studies, or a related humanities field. In some cases, a completed Graduate Diploma or coursework master's degree with a strong research component may be accepted as an equivalent qualification. A critical element of the application process is the submission of a research proposal outlining the proposed thesis topic, research questions, theoretical framework, and methodology — applicants must also identify a potential supervisor within the faculty whose research interests align with the proposed project, and formal admission is typically conditional on a willing and available supervisor being secured.

For students whose undergraduate study was not completed at honours level, universities may offer a pathway through an honours year, graduate certificate in research methods, or a preparatory coursework semester prior to full candidacy admission. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically requiring an IELTS overall score of at least 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0), or a PTE Academic score of 60 or above. In creative arts sub-disciplines such as creative writing, film, or practice-led research, applicants may additionally be required to submit a portfolio of creative work demonstrating prior achievement at a professional or near-professional standard. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens who are accepted into a Higher Degree by Research program may be eligible for a Commonwealth Research Training Program fee offset, substantially reducing tuition costs.