The BFA degree programme combines creative research skills with real world awareness of the requirements of contemporary visual arts and design professions. At every level compulsory Contextual Studies courses (theoretical and professional practice courses) require students to engage in traditional research and presentation skills. Contextual studies courses are designed to encourage students to make connections between theory and practice, to engage in critical analysis, to improve speaking and writing skills and establish a voice of their own in a rigorous academic environment.
Year One
Courses
Introduction to Visual Theory - Art and Design History and Theory
Social Sciences - Cultural Studies
Writing for Academic Purposes - English Language Support
Prep. Cert. English and Academic Studies - English Language Support
Year Two
Courses
Art and Design History Survey - Art and Design History and Theory
Art Practices - Applied Theory
Social Science - Social Sciences
Business Studies - Professional Studies
Year Three
Courses
Art Disciplines - Applied Theory
Art and Design History - Modern Art and Design History and Theory
Art and Design History - Contemporary Art and Design History and Theory
NZ/ Pacific Art and Design History - Art and Design History and Theory
Management Studies - Professional Studies
Year Four
Courses
Art and Design Theory - Applied TheoryArts Marketing and Public Relations - Professional Studies
Social Sciences
Study of social development fosters an understanding and acceptance of the diverse opinions, attitudes and values of many of the groups of people living in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
Courses
Cultural Studies
Introduces cultural issues and theories relevant to both the developing artist and designer.
Social Science
Explores issues relating to social structures, gender, ethics and age from the perspective of philosophy, anthropology, sociology and psychology. Focuses on perceptions and aesthetic development in art and design.
Art and Design History, Theory
The historical evolution of artistic styles, theories, and philosophies of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania are studied. Students are encouraged to form a personal understanding, relative to their work, of the diverse styles of artists and larger artistic movements or time periods.
Courses
Introduction to Visual TheoryIntroduces principles of art and design theory and academic research and writing.
Art and Design HistorySurveys the history of art and design of cultures from prehistoric times to the late nineteenth century.
Art Practices
Includes practical work, research, and discussion of topics relating to contemporary issues in art and design. Topics include investigations of the creative process, aspects of practices and fieldtrips to museums, art galleries and commercial areas.
Art Disciplines Surveys formats of art and design production from a multi-disciplinary perspective.
Art and Design History - Modern
Surveys art and design movements, styles and artists, with an emphasis on Western arts from the mid 1800s to the 1940s.
Art and Design History - Contemporary
Surveys art and design movements, styles and artists, with an emphasis on Western art since the 1940s. New Zealand and Pacific Art and Design History surveys art and design from pre-colonial times to the present, including Maori art and case studies of contemporary New Zealand artists.
Art and Design Theory
Explores issues in aesthetics, philosophy and criticism as they relate to both art and design.
Professional Studies
Business skills and knowledge in finance and accounting, business communication, contract law, ethics, marketing, and entrepreneurial leadership/management. These skills are essential for graduates working as an employee or as an independent art or design professional.
Courses
Business Studies
Explores essential professional and business practices and methods in arts and design professions. Topics include copyright law, business plans, business ethics and economics.
Management Studies
Looks at management and administration in relation to art and design industries. Topics range from economics, human resource management, planning and communications, to specialised areas such as design management, business and culture and the management of creative people.
Arts Marketing and Public Relations
Introduces professional practice in relation to the goals of individual students. Topics include the consumer culture, arts market research, sponsorship and event management, as well as media, ethics, promotion and commercial relationships in the arts and design communities.
English Language Support
These courses promote language proficiency primarily to help students whose first language is not English to undertake diploma or degree level studies in art and design. Some support is also available for students having difficulty with English as an academic language.
Courses
Writing for Academic PurposesOffers one-to-one help with academic writing for students having difficulty with English as an academic language.
Preparatory Certificate EnglishAcademic Studies introduces art and design vocabulary and concepts, and theoretical studies such as history, social science and philosophy for students whose first language is not English.