- Duration
- Full-time: 3 years
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2024 Semester One – 26 February
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 360
- Programme type
- Undergraduate
Programme overview
Artists are storytellers, change-makers, disruptors and creators who shape our culture and enrich our society.
At Elam, you will develop skills in creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and entrepreneurship. These skills will prepare you to make an impact in businesses and other organisations, in all areas of the creative industries and in the wider community.
The BFA gives you the freedom to bring your ideas to life by exploring, researching, and experimenting in a wide range of creative mediums and technologies. Our teachers and specialist technicians will support and guide your making, allowing you to refine your skills and produce artworks of high calibre.
Browse contemporary art projects by our Fine Arts students.
You can also study the BFA alongside another discipline as part of a conjoint degree, which means you can take two undergraduate programmes at the same time. You can do a conjoint with Advanced Science (Honours), Arts, Commerce, Communication, Design, Engineering (Honours), Global Studies, Health Sciences, Law (including Law (Honours), Music or Science.
Programme structure
Because our programme is flexible, you’ll build a pathway of study that feels right for you. But whatever you choose, you’ll learn in three key areas:
- Creative artistic practices
- Research themes
- Creative careers
Study in these three areas makes up your artist toolkit and sets you up for a lifetime of creative thinking and making.
While studying, you’ll have opportunities to explore a range of practices such as art writing; ceramics; curatorial practices; digital media; drawing; installation; moving image; nga toi taketake; painting; performance art; photography; print sculpture; social and public art; sound art and more.
In your final year, you will complete a capstone fine arts project and associated research essay.
The broad structure of the programme is:
- Seven core courses: FINEARTS 110, 111, 112, 113, 320, 321, 322 (165 points)
- Two elective courses from FINEARTS 220–236 (30 points)
- Two elective courses from FINEARTS 240–250 (60 points)
- Two General Education courses (30 points)
- Additional elective courses from this degree (up to 75 points)
- Additional elective courses from other bachelors degrees (up to 45 points)
Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
Sample programme structure
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 110
- Name:
- Introduction to Fine Arts Technologies
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 111
- Name:
- Fine Arts Studio 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 112
- Name:
- Fine Arts Studio 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 113
- Name:
- Ideas and Contexts for Creative Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- General Education course
- Type:
- General Education course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- General Education course
- Type:
- General Education course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 2 120 points
-
- Name:
- Elective course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 3 120 points
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 320
- Name:
- Creative Practice Research Methodologies
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 321
- Name:
- Fine Arts Studio 3: Capstone Project
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 45 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 322
- Name:
- Research Essay Making Sense of Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Subjects available in this programme
- Fine Arts
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.
- First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
- You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
- You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
- Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.
Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements
These are the indicative entry requirements, and more detailed information will be provided soon. The following scores will guarantee you entry. Please note that we encourage you to apply even if you don't think you will achieve these scores.
-
QualificationNCEA National Certificate of Educational AchievementScore required150
-
QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore required150
-
QualificationIB International BaccalaureateScore required26
Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.
Tertiary qualifications
If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.
Guaranteed grade requirements
These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.
-
Grade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 2.4
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.4
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
- If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.
My highest qualification is from this country or region:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You need to have one of the following:
- International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
- General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects.
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.
GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.
Minimum grade, subject and other requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.
-
QualificationIB International Baccalaureate DiplomaScore required26QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5.
-
QualificationGCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced LevelScore requiredCCCQualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5.
Tertiary qualifications
If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.
You need to have the following:
One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas.
Guaranteed grade requirements
These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.4
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
How much does a Bachelor of Fine Arts cost per year?
2023 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$7,607*
- International students
- NZ$39,410*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Applications close 8 December.
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2024
- 8 December 2023
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 27 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 26 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
How to apply
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
Where could this programme take you?
Businesses and organisations hire creatives to address challenges, discover opportunities and bring new possibilities to life. The job market is constantly changing, and the diversity of career opportunities available to graduates is growing. Success as a creative practitioner extends beyond the world of contemporary art, with graduates finding employment in advertising, communication design, marketing, fashion, filmmaking, architecture, business, journalism and many more areas.
Jobs related to this programme
- Art Director
- Artist
- Creative Project Lead
- Creative Strategist
- Educator
- Filmmaker
- Visual Designer
- Writer
Developing critical thinking skills in the Bachelor of Fine Arts helped Logan create more authentic work.
Read Logan's storyStudent career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Experience the University
A student's guide to studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts
Fine Arts student Kato shows you around the facilities at Elam and discusses what it's like to study Fine Arts.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513