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)

Learn more about Fine Arts courses.

Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2023 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.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. 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.

  • Qualification
    NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement
    Score required
    150
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    150
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    26

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.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

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.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    26
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level
    Score required
    CCC
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

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. 

See information about prior tertiary study 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.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 2023
8 December 2022

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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

Further study options

See all study options
Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate, Nikau Hindin

Nikau Hindin

Since graduating, Nikau has built a successful career as a contemporary artist, exhibiting internationally and reviving the ancient art of making aute.

Nikau's story

Student 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.

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Experience the University

Student taking a selfie.

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?

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Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513