Programme details

Master of Fine Arts

Studying Fine Arts is ideal for individuals aspiring to become professional arts practitioners. You will conduct original research that culminates in a public exhibition and a dissertation.

Course description

The Master of Fine Arts is a degree in applied research that is evaluated against both national and international standards, with a particular focus on art-making and writing. The program is influenced by your proposal and can be pursued in a single discipline or across multiple disciplines, offering a qualification essential for careers in tertiary education, writing or critique, and museum or gallery curatorship.

Practicing artists will gain significant advantages from an intensive, focused research project, which culminates in a public exhibition and dissertation that demonstrate your understanding and proficiency in art practices and theories, as well as contemporary society and culture. Opt to study at the Dunedin School of Art and immerse yourself in a vibrant and demanding environment where you will take advantage of the uniquely equipped workshop facilities and the knowledge of lecturers who possess a wide array of approaches and experiences in fine arts and design.

Immigration benefits

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

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

Career oppurtunties include working as:

-Art Educator
-Curator
-Design Researcher
-Practicing Artist

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

-You must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in fine arts or an equivalent four year programme with at least a B grade average. Three year undergraduate degrees may be considered but you must have achieved an A pass average in the major subject.
-You must submit an annotated portfolio, curriculum vitae and a research proposal, including an annotated bibliography. The portfolio must be no larger than 2MB. See more detailed information about this below.
-Selection for admission includes an interview.
-If you do not hold the above qualifications, you must demonstrate appropriate ability through a current portfolio and a related project proposal which will be approved by the Master of Fine Arts Admissions Committee.
-International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet the entry requirements.

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