Programme details

Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours)

This program is particularly suitable for those who aspire to refine their research skills in both studio environments and theoretical contexts, or for those intending to pursue additional postgraduate studies.

Course description

This programme deepens your understanding of the history and contemporary practices of visual arts while expanding your creative and critical skills. You’ll develop transferable abilities in collaboration, problem-solving, and research—enhancing your career prospects in education, the arts, and management, or as a practicing artist across diverse media.

Designed for high-achieving students pursuing postgraduate study, the programme fosters engagement with contemporary visual art concepts through studio and theoretical research. Your studies will culminate in an exhibition and written work that demonstrate professional and intellectual excellence, supported by expert supervision and access to exceptional workshop facilities.

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 4 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

Career opportunities include working as:

-Art Educator
-Curator
-Design Researcher
-Practicing Artist

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

-You must hold a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Level 7) or any equivalent qualification at a bachelor’s level or above, with an overall grade of B (70%) or higher in your final year studio and essay papers.
Normally, commencement of Honours study must occur within five years of the successful completion of your degree. Exceptions will require the approval of the Postgraduate Coordinator.

-You must submit an annotated portfolio, curriculum vitae and a project proposal. The portfolio must be no larger than 2MB.
Selection for admission includes an interview – see below for more info.
-If you do not hold the above qualifications, you must demonstrate appropriate ability through a portfolio and associated writings which will be approved by the Postgraduate Admissions Committee.
-International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet the entry requirements.

International equivalence

-To enter Otago Polytechnic’s undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand’s NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).

English Language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide:

-New Zealand University Entrance OR
-Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
-Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS