- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Next start date
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- 2026 Semester Two – 20 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
The BFA(Hons) allows you to support your preferred artistic practices with individual research at an advanced level.
The BFA(Hons) builds upon the practical and theoretical elements developed in the BFA. You will explore an area of interest expressed through your chosen media, honed through critical thinking, seminars and critiques of your research and your output.
Conjoint programmes let you pursue two undergraduate bachelors degrees at the same time.
Learn more about conjointsProgramme structure
The programme aims to develop your artistic practice to its full potential, and to expand your understanding of contemporary art forms in their various cultural contexts.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Year one 120 points
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 761
- Name:
- Contemporary Practice 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 763
- Name:
- Theories of Practice 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 770
- Name:
- Research Methodologies
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 708
- Name:
- Honours Research Project
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 782
- Name:
- Research Essay
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
2026 entry requirements
Programme requirements
You must have completed Parts I, II, and III of the Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland before starting the BFA(Hons) or BA/BFA(Hons).
Further programme requirements
Prior study
You will require a GPA of 5.0 across all of your Stage III courses in Fine Arts.
Other pathways to study
The 240-point Master of Fine Arts is a suitable postgraduate study option for those who already hold an undergraduate degree from a similar tertiary institution.
How much does a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) cost per year?
2026 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,583.60*
- International students
- NZ$52,843.20*
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 $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 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
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 – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 20 July |
| Ends – 16 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study at Elam. Contact our postgraduate adviser by phone or email.
Postgraduate Adviser
Senior Lecturer James Cousins
Phone: +64 9 923 9577
Where could this programme take you?
There are three common areas where Elam graduates find employment – public sector, private organisations, or as a practising artist or entrepreneurial creative. As the business world looks to innovators, the capabilities developed through a creative education are becoming highly sought-after.
Jobs related to this programme
- Animator
- Art curator
- Art director (TV/film)
- Art writer or critic
- Artist
- Creative director in an agency
- Designer
- Educator
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.
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