The Master of Fine Arts programme provides an opportunity to advance both your creative practice and research abilities. You will develop your chosen specialisation through research and experimentation within a dedicated postgraduate studio environment, encouraging cross-discipline perspectives. The aim of postgraduate study at Elam is to polish your practice and research skills in order to prepare you to make a meaningful, rich contribution to contemporary art.
- Duration
- Full-time: Varies
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2021 Semester One – 1 March
- 2021 Semester Two – 19 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120, 180 or 240
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
Programme structure
The MFA has multiple entrance pathways (see Entry Requirements) and the structure of your programme will depend on at which stage you enter.
240 point MFA
In the first part of the programme (120 points), you will use practice-based research to develop a contemporary art research interest and foster critical engagement and dialogue, with the goal of advancing your level of studio-based learning.
If you maintain an average grade of B or higher in your first part, you will be able to continue to the second part, when you then select one of the following options (120 points):
- Masters Studio, studio-based practice including a piece of critical writing relevant to your research
- Fine Arts Thesis, using your research as material for an entirely written submission
- Fine Arts Research portfolio, which allows for flexibility of outcomes (eg a greater critical writing component; curatorial project)
120 point MFA
You will select one of the following options:
- Masters Studio, studio-based practice including a piece of critical writing relevant to your research
- Fine Arts Thesis, using your research as material for an entirely written submission
- Fine Arts Research portfolio, which allows for flexibility of outcomes (eg a greater critical writing component; curatorial project)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
2020 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Disclaimer: Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required, do not guarantee entry, and are subject to standard regulatory approval. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
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Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts
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Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) (BFA(Hons)) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts (PGDipFA) within two years of starting the MFA. You will need a GPA of 5.0.
If your BFA(Hons) or PGDipFA was completed more than two years prior to starting the MFA, then you must submit a portfolio and CV via the portfolio system SlideRoom.
Portfolio content
The works presented should demonstrate visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and give an indication of your current involvement in the arts and an overall impression of your interests.
Your portfolio may include up to 12 items of work, including but not limited to the following media:
- A reproduction of a painting, print, photograph, sculpture, design, workbook page, and/or a media file of your recent moving image/performance/audio work.
CV content
This should cover your previous art training, experience and practice / employment. Include all exhibitions, art and design-based activities and collaborative projects.
An interview and/or references may be required and you will be notified if these are needed.
You must have completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) within two years of starting the MFA. You will need a GPA of 5.0 in your final year of study.
If your BFA was completed more than two years prior to starting the MFA, then you must submit a portfolio and CV via the portfolio system SlideRoom.
Portfolio content
The works presented should demonstrate visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and give an indication of your current involvement in the arts and an overall impression of your interests.
Your portfolio may include up to 12 items of work, including but not limited to the following media:
- A reproduction of a painting, print, photograph, sculpture, design, workbook page, and/or a media file of your recent moving image/performance/audio work.
CV content
This should cover your previous art training, experience and practice / employment. Include all exhibitions, art and design-based activities and collaborative projects.
An interview and/or references may be required and you will be notified if these are needed.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme 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.
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study in fine arts
-
Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree in fine arts
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QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a one-year postgraduate degree, following an undergraduate degree, in fine art, contemporary art or visual art. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 5.0.
You must submit a portfolio and CV via the portfolio system SlideRoom.
Portfolio content
The works presented should demonstrate visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and give an indication of your current involvement in the arts and an overall impression of your interests.
Your portfolio may include up to 12 items of work, including but not limited to the following media:
- A reproduction of a painting, print, photograph, sculpture, design, workbook page, and/or a media file of your recent moving image/performance/audio work.
CV content
This should cover your previous art training, experience and practice / employment. Include all exhibitions, art and design-based activities and collaborative projects.
An interview and/or references may be required and you will be notified if these are needed.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in fine art, contemporary art or visual art at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0 in your final year of study.
You must submit a portfolio and CV via the portfolio system SlideRoom.
Portfolio content
The works presented should demonstrate visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and give an indication of your current involvement in the arts and an overall impression of your interests.
Your portfolio may include up to 12 items of work, including but not limited to the following media:
- A reproduction of a painting, print, photograph, sculpture, design, workbook page, and/or a media file of your recent moving image/performance/audio work.
CV content
This should cover your previous art training, experience and practice / employment. Include all exhibitions, art and design-based activities and collaborative projects.
An interview and/or references may be required and you will be notified if these are needed.
Other pathways to study
The University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) are suitable pathways into this masters programme.
You may also be eligible to transfer credit towards your BFA or BFA(Hons) if you hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline, such as fine art, contemporary art or visual art.
If appropriate, you may be invited to complete a Transitional Certificate before commencing the 240-point MFA degree. Once your MFA application has been assessed, you will be contacted if this is relevant to you.
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 Master of Fine Arts cost per year?
2020 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,347.20*
- International students
- NZ$41,167*
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 $7.86 per point, estimated at $943.20 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.
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
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 2021
- 8 December 2020
- Semester Two 2021
- 4 July 2021
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 27 July |
| Ends – 22 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 1 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 28 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 19 July |
| Ends – 15 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study at Elam School of Fine Arts. Contact our postgraduate adviser by phone or email.
Postgraduate Adviser
Dr Alex Monteith
Email: al.monteith@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext. 89267
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?
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. For more, visit our careers webpage - www.creative.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/creative-careers.html.
Jobs related to this programme
- Academia
- Art curator
- Art writer or critic
- Artist
- Creative director in an agency
- Designer
- Educator
- Researcher
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.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Our student support team is here to help. Use our online contact form.
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513