Studio Research and Critical Contexts are the two components of this programme.
Both courses work to develop and integrate contextual, theoretical, and studio-based learning centred on in-depth research projects.
Advance your creativity and imagination further and prepare for your professional creative life or progression to postgraduate levels of study.
The programme culminates in a final exhibition or presentation of studio research outcomes and an accompanying written research summary. The Honours qualification provides a foundational pathway for further research in a higher degree.
Whitecliffe College BFA (Hons) students consolidate the learning and achievements of the BFA undergraduate study through the realisation of a sustained practice-based research inquiry to prepare them for professional life in the creative industries or further postgraduate study in a Master's degree.
Students undertake two courses of study that both span across two Semesters: Studio Research and Critical Contexts. Both courses work to develop and integrate contextual, theoretical, and studio-based learning centred on students’ in-depth research projects. The BFA (Hons) programme culminates in a final exhibition or presentation of studio research outcomes and an accompanying written research summary.
February 2026 Intake
10/02/2026
1 Year
Full-time
Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
All 2026 fees are subject to change and regulatory approval.
Domestic: $9,978+ $300 Student Services Levy
International: $27,000 + $300 Student Services Levy
Further study options:
Level 9 Master of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours)
NZQA Level 8 (120 credits)
NZ Government key information link for students.
Graduates of the BFA Honours programme are able to:
Many of our graduates have gone on to be successful exhibiting artists, both in New Zealand and overseas.
However, a Fine Arts degree also prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, giving them essential skills for the modern job market: the ability to think creatively and flexibly; to work independently or collaboratively; to respond constructively to criticism, and to participate in intelligent debate.
Our graduates are proven self-starters, many of whom become self-employed or owners of successful small businesses within the creative fields.
Master of Fine Arts
The limitations of communication offer a gap that can be bridged by curated groups of found materials and objects. Locations of emotional transactions, in their spendour ...
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours)
Fijian-born artist Shaday Moore’s practice explores the feeling of displacement brought about by moving away from one’s homeland. As an antidote to homesickness, her ...
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Kaitlyn Sergeant’s work, featured in the Whitecliffe End-of-Year Fine Arts Exhibition, highlights her creative journey and exploration of diverse artistic techniques. H ...
Deborah French - MAAT(Clinical), CAThR, PGDipTchg
Applicants must
International applicants must
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) is a fourth-year programme designed for students who have completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts and want to extend their practice through independent research, critical inquiry, and advanced studio work. It provides a bridge to professional art practice or postgraduate study.
While the BFA focuses on developing creative and technical foundations, the Honours year emphasises independent research and professional-level studio practice. You’ll complete a sustained creative project supported by written research, critical reflection, and one-on-one supervision.
You’ll learn how to conceptualise, develop, and present a major body of artwork at a professional standard. The programme deepens your understanding of contemporary art theory, critical discourse, and exhibition practice, helping you articulate your creative ideas through both visual and written outcomes.
Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (Level 7) or an equivalent qualification. Admission is based on portfolio review, academic achievement, and an interview demonstrating readiness for independent, research-based study.
The programme runs for one year full-time, combining studio research, critical studies, and professional practice. You’ll work closely with supervisors, attend seminars and critiques, and produce both a final exhibition and a written dissertation or research paper.
Honours students have access to personal studio spaces at the Symonds Street campus, alongside facilities such as the printmaking studio, lighting studio, darkroom, digital labs, library, and project spaces. You can also borrow photography and video equipment and access editing and design software on campus.
Each Honours student is assigned an academic supervisor and a studio mentor who provide ongoing guidance and critique. You’ll take part in research seminars, reading groups, and peer discussions, designed to strengthen your critical and reflective thinking.
Yes. The Honours programme culminates in a final exhibition where you present your creative research to a professional standard. This public presentation forms a core part of your final assessment and helps prepare you for exhibiting in galleries and art institutions.
Graduates are well-prepared for professional art practice, gallery representation, curation, or creative industry roles. Many continue to postgraduate study, such as the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), or pursue academic and research pathways.
Whitecliffe has strong ties with Auckland’s art scene and the wider creative community through guest lectures, visiting artists, exhibitions, and industry collaborations. Students benefit from opportunities to network with curators, galleries, and practicing artists, gaining valuable professional exposure.
The vast majority of our team have extensive experience within their respective industries. This is key in helping us ensure our graduates have the real-world skills they need for a successful career and bright future.
Anton Maurer is an artist and educator, with a practice grounded in lens-based media.
...
David Cowlard is a senior lecturer with specialist teaching experience in lens-based practices, d ...
Dr Glen Snow gained his PhD with Creative Scholarly Work from the Universi ...
Matt Dowman received his BFA from Whitecliffe in 2002, and a MFA with honours from Auckland Unive ...
Matt Ellwood is an artist and educator with more than 25 years of professional experience in the ...
Richard Maloy completed his MFA from the University of Auckland in 2001. He employs a multi-disci ...
Rose Meyer gained a Master of Fine Art with First Class Honours in 2015 and a Post Graduate Diplo ...
Caryline Boreham is an artist and educator whose recent work blends a photography practice with a ...
