The Master of Arts is designed to enable graduates to pursue further studies in an area of personal interest, for professional development, or as a pathway to higher degree research, by studying a number of graduate level courses. While completing their major, students are able to tailor a program of study to suit their interests by enrolling in units within the one subject area, or selecting units from a range of subject areas, as listed for this course.

A Master of Arts allows students to refine their professional skills, in a relatively unrestricted program of study. Examples of careers that can be assisted through an MA include, but are not limited to: historical archivists, museum curators, criminal justice work, industrial relations, local history, management, policy development and implementation, public relations, public service, foreign affairs, education, business and administration, migrant and multicultural affairs, overseas aid and development agencies, political and social advocacy, journalism, human resources and research.

Employers often look for flexibility in their staff, expecting to retrain staff as work demands change. To meet this need, they tend to seek out people who are intellectually flexible, with analytical minds and good communication skills. Students in an MA are trained to think for themselves, acquire and process information, communicate their thoughts effectively and exercise initiative.