Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2023 Semester One – 27 February
2023 Semester Two – 17 July
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

Programme overview

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme provides an opportunity to advance both your creative practice and research abilities. 

The MFA is open to students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts. This degree is also open to anyone who has completed a university degree, who is able to demonstrate their professional experience through a portfolio that demonstrates their practice as an artist.

Students can enter the programme at the beginning of the year, in the first semester or opt for a mid-year start in the second semester.

The MFA provides a pathway to doctoral level study.

Programme structure

This research masters gives you an opportunity to complete courses that involve a discipline specific focus, which is delivered via studio, theory and workshop courses. You will also complete a substantial research project alongside a significant research essay, designed to support the development of high-level academic research skill. In the research masters you will study with the support of an individual supervisor.

180 point Masters:

15 points FINEARTS 770: Research Methodologies
45 points FINEARTS 761-769

And either:

120 point FINEARTS 781: Research Portfolio

Or

90 points FINEARTS 779: Studio
30 points FINEARTS 780: Studio Research Essay

120 point Masters:

120 point FINEARTS 781: Research Portfolio

Or

90 points FINEARTS 779: Studio
30 points FINEARTS 780: Studio Research Essay

 

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.

2023 entry requirements

Programme requirements

180-point MFA:

Prior study completed at the University of Auckland:

  • You must have a grade point average of 4.5 or higher across 75 points of Stage III courses within your Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, or across your Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts.
  • If you completed your entry degree more than three years prior to your proposed commencement of the MFA, then you may be required to provide a portfolio. We will contact you directly if this is required as part of your application.

or

  • You must hold a Bachelors degree with a grade point average of 4.5 of higher across 75 points of Stage III courses, and have relevant experience.
  • You will be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application and please see the ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about this.

Prior study completed at another tertiary institution or equivalent:

  • You must have completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (or equivalent) with a grade point equivalent of 4.5 or higher.
  • You may also be asked to provide a portfolio and if this is needed we will contact you directly once you have submitted your Application for Admission. Please see the ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about the portfolio elements.

or

  • You must hold a Bachelors degree with a grade point average of 4.5 of higher, and have relevant experience.
  • You will be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application and please see the ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about this.

120-point MFA:

Prior study completed at the University of Auckland:

  • You must have a grade point average of 4.5 or higher across your Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts degree.
  • If you completed your entry degree more than three years prior to your proposed commencement of the MFA, then you may be required to provide a portfolio. We will contact you directly if this is required as part of your application.

Prior study completed at another tertiary institution or equivalent:

  • You must have completed a Bachelors Honours or Postgraduate Diploma degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point equivalent of 4.5 or higher. Your area of study in the degree must have been Fine Arts or a direct equivalent.
  • You will be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application and please see the ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about this.

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

If you need to provide a portfolio as part of your application, then you can submit this using our online platform SlideRoom.

Your portfolio needs to be comprised of:

Creative Works

A selection of up to 12 works that demonstrates visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and gives an overall impression of your interests. Your works could include, but are not limited to, the following media: painting, photography, sculpture, design, workbook pages, creative writing samples, recordings of performance, moving image, and/or audio works.

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Practice-based Curriculum Vitae (CV)

This should cover your previous art training, experience, and practice. Include all exhibition(s), art and design-based activities and collaborative projects. It could also include involvement in relevant community activities and details of any academic and/or professional awards / prizes.

If you need to provide a portfolio as part of your application, then you can submit this using our online platform SlideRoom.

Your portfolio needs to be comprised of:

Creative Works

A selection of up to 12 works that demonstrates visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and gives an overall impression of your interests. Your works could include, but are not limited to, the following media: painting, photography, sculpture, design, workbook pages, creative writing samples, recordings of performance, moving image, and/or audio works.

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Practice-based Curriculum Vitae (CV)

This should cover your previous art training, experience, and practice. Include all exhibition(s), art and design-based activities and collaborative projects. It could also include involvement in relevant community activities and details of any academic and/or professional awards / prizes.

Other pathways to study

The Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts can be a pathway option for those who do not currently meet the requirements for the 180-point MFA.

This is a good pathway for people who do not hold any Bachelors degree, but have extensive relevant practical and/or professional experience in Fine Arts discipline.

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?

2022 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,583.60 – $9,728.40*
International students
NZ$44,526*

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 $8.16 per point, estimated at $979.20 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.

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

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
Semester Two 2023
4 July 2023

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.

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 in Fine Arts. 

Contact our Postgraduate Adviser:

Dr Sean Kerr
Email: s.kerr@auckland.ac.nz

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 Fine Arts 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

  • Academia
  • Art curator
  • Art writer or critic
  • Artist
  • Creative director in an agency
  • Designer
  • Educator
  • Researcher

Further study options

See all study options
Grace Wright. Photo by Anna Wright

Grace Wright

Returning to study after working as an artist for three years, Grace reached a stage where she was ready for more critical feedback.

Read or view Grace's story

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