Master of Fine Arts

Programme Overview

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme provides an opportunity to advance both your creative practice and research abilities. Delivered through the Elam School of Fine Arts, the degree is built around a collective philosophy that brings together students from a broad spectrum of disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices to foster rigorous conversations and exploration. The curriculum explores a wide range of visual arts and design practices, incorporating art theory, contemporary Māori and Pacific art, curating, and creative technology.

Programme Pathways & Core Formats

The structure of the degree is determined by your entry background, divided into two primary point-allocations:

1. 180-Point Research Track

• Entry Pathway: Designed for students entering directly from a completed undergraduate degree.
• Structure: Comprises a compulsory research methodology paper, selective electives, and a dominant 120-point independent research component.

2. 120-Point Research Track

• Entry Pathway: Designed for students entering from a prior postgraduate qualification, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or a Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts.
• Structure: Focuses immediately on advanced independent studio work or research portfolio execution under individual supervision.

What You'll Study

The degree requires the completion of either 120 or 180 postgraduate-level points. In the 180-point track, students select one of two specialized pathways to structure their capstone research:

• Compulsory Methodology (15 points): All 180-point students take Research Methodologies (FINEARTS 770) to establish high-level academic research skills.
• Elective Options (45 points): Students select courses such as Contemporary Practice, Creative Technology, or Theory and Context to support their making.
• Research Portfolio Option (120 points): Dedicated entirely to an independent, critically driven Research Portfolio (FINEARTS 781A/B).
• Studio Option (120 points): Comprises a major practical Studio project (90 points) accompanied by a mandatory written Studio Research Essay (30 points) outlining the methodological directions of the creative work.

Why Choose This Programme?

• World-Class Facilities: Students gain access to Elam School of Fine Arts' comprehensive range of technical, traditional, and digital workshops to support physical making.
• Expert Supervision: Undertake independent creative research under the individual mentorship of internationally successful artists, curators, and active researchers.
• Open to Diverse Backgrounds: The program is open to anyone holding a university degree who can demonstrate appropriate professional experience and visual capability through a portfolio, regardless of prior art education.

Entry Requirements & Compliance Checks

• Academic Minimums (180-Point Track): A completed Bachelor of Fine Arts (or equivalent) with a GPA of 4.5 or higher across 60 points above Stage II. Alternatively, a standard bachelors degree in another field with a GPA of 4.5 or higher across 75 points of Stage III papers, combined with verified professional experience.
• Academic Minimums (120-Point Track): A completed Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts from a recognized university with a minimum Grade Point Average/Equivalent of 4.5 or higher.
• The Selection Portfolio: All applicants entering from another institution, or those who completed their University of Auckland entry degree more than three years prior, must submit a creative portfolio consisting of:
  • Creative Works: A selection of up to 12 works demonstrating visual sensibility, creativity, and technical skill (e.g., painting, photography, sculpture, design, recordings, or moving images).
  • Written Statement: A ~500-word statement detailing reasons for wanting to join the programme and future career aspirations.
  • Practice-based CV: Highlighting prior art training, exhibitions, collaborative projects, and creative activities.
• Selection Process: Admission is competitive; final selection into the qualification is determined through the assessment of the portfolio and a formal panel interview.
• Language Requirement: Reiteration of English language competency via an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall (all individual bands 6.0+) or a PTE Academic score of 58.