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
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 is a studio-based programme that offers students the choice of taught or research pathways.

In a taught masters you can deepen your knowledge with discipline specific focus through studio theory and workshop courses. You can also select a second area of discipline focus delivered through courses, before completing your degree with an independent research project. In the taught masters pathway, you will learn in a shared studio or lecture setting.


180 point Taught Masters:

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

And either:

30 points FINEARTS 767: Studio
30 points FINEARTS 782: Research Essay


Or

45 points FINEARTS 768: Studio
15 points FINEARTS 769: Studio Practice Essay


120 point Taught Masters:

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

And either:

30 points FINEARTS 767: Studio
30 points FINEARTS 782: Research Essay

Or

45 points FINEARTS 768: Studio
15 points FINEARTS 769: Studio Practice Essay

 

The 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 Research 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 Research 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.

2021 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.

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts

  • Study option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Fine Arts

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

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.

Other pathways to study

The BFA(Hons), PGDipFA, or BFA are all pathways into the MFA degree.

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 option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study in fine arts

  • Study option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree in fine arts

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

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?

2021 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,439.60 – $9,565.20*
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 $8.02 per point, estimated at $962.40 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 2021
8 December 2020
Semester Two 2021
4 July 2021

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 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

Further study options

See all study options

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?

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