Certificate in Fine Arts

This semester-long programme (18 weeks) concentrates on developing a portfolio for application to on-going tertiary study at Whitecliffe, elsewhere in New Zealand, or overseas.

The Certificate in Fine Arts focuses on developing skills in drawing, painting, mixed media, and design. It offers opportunities for focused sampling and exploration primarily within the areas of Fine Arts + Photo Media, with some further content relating to Design Innovation and Fashion + Sustainability, all of which underpin the degree-level programmes at Whitecliffe.

Key dates

July 2024 Intake 22 • 07 • 24
February 2025 Intake 17 • 02 • 25

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Duration

18 weeks, full-time in Auckland + Manukau

Qualification

New Zealand Certificate in Fine Arts (Level 4) 60 credits

Costs

Domestic $3,736 + $150 Student Services Levy
International $12,000 + $150 Student Services Levy
Fees free may apply.
All 2024 fees are subject to change and regulatory approval.

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Certificate in Fine Arts Course Outline

The Certificate in Fine Arts focuses on developing skills in drawing, painting, mixed media, and design. It offers opportunities for focused sampling and exploration primarily within the areas of Fine Arts + Photo Media, with some further content relating to Design Innovation and Fashion + Sustainability, all of which underpin the degree-level programmes at Whitecliffe.

The emphasis is on practical projects and deepening students' understanding of the visual arts as well as the principles and the application of design, supported by conceptual content and knowledge. Students are enabled to develop the appropriate skills and can manage projects/briefs under broad guidance. Students are guided to edit, select, and format their best visual outcomes into a portfolio at the end of the programme. Students gain a solid base of art and design-related knowledge, equipping them with the learning strategies, attitudes, and skills for higher-level tertiary study, or entry-level employment in the field.

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Certificate in Arts + Design Overview

  • Studio Based Arts
    Students are introduced to a range of drawing, mixed media, painting, collage, and three-dimensional art-making techniques enabling them to communicate ideas visually, whilst providing opportunities to practice, develop, and refine these skills. They will gain an understanding of mark-making, observational, conceptual drawings, and image-making. Students will also be introduced to practical painting skills, mediums, techniques, concepts, and colour studies.

  • Photo Media + Moving Image
    Students will experiment with photographic and moving image concepts and processes allowing them to gain an understanding of composition, image capture, and editing techniques in both still-image making and short-film making. Students will learn about contemporary themes in both photographic and moving image mediums.

  • Design Methodology
    Students are introduced to principles, elements, and foundational processes of design and print making. They will use design software and will be encouraged to think about how it can contribute to art making and design processes. This includes elementary print making processes; block-making, stencil creation, and screen printing. Students will develop an understanding of composition, colour, and the use of image and text in the design process as well as elementary theoretical and conceptual design processes.

  • Arts Practices
    Students are introduced to fundamental methods of visual recording, critical analysis, and experimental art making. Students will explore and learn creative processes related to accessing, recording, and presenting information, critical studies, and collaborative work-making related to contextual theme and portfolio design and exhibition practices.
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Key Information for Students

NZ Government key information link for students, that provides more information to support your decision making for this programme

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Admission Requirements

Domestic Student Entry Requirements

  • Completed application form
  • Minimum age: Students must turn 17 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
  • No portfolio required


International Student Entry Requirements

  • Completed application form
  • Passport copy
  • Minimum age: Students must turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
  • IELTS Academic overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent
  • An interview may be required - this can be arranged via telephone or online
  • No portfolio required


BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Requirements:

Recently we have found ourselves working remotely due to COVID-19, we recommend that you have your own device to support your studies. The following specifications are intended to help you make the best choice of laptop, desktop, or tablet for the job.

Recommended IT Specifications:

Minimum Hardware requirements

  • Mac - Intel processor with 64-bit support; 2 GHz or faster processor with SSE 4.2 or later
    OR 
  • MacBook Air with M1 Chip 
    OR 
  • Intel® or AMD processor with 64-bit support; 2 GHz or faster processor with SSE 4.2 or later 
  • 8 GB RAM (Recommended 16 GB)   
  • 250 GB SSD or higher hard drive with 10GB free space minimum 
  • Wireless capability 802.11n dual-band    
  • Up-to-date antivirus software   

Minimum Operating System     

  • Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1809 or later; LTSC versions are not supported
    OR     
  • Apple macOS Mojave (version 10.14) or later 
  • Internet and data plan.    

Not Supported:    

  • Chromebooks    
  • Windows X or Windows S OS    
  • Tablets (except Windows Surface Pro or iPad Pro) 
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Where could this programme take you?

Graduates will produce a portfolio and gain a broad knowledge of art and design-related subjects to ensure they are equipped with the learning strategies, attitudes and self-management skills for further tertiary study and/or entry-level vocations.

Jobs related to this programme

Junior Assistant

Arts Support Roles

Design Support Roles

Freelance Creative

Find out more about career opportunities

Talk to our team

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If you would like to ask us a question or request more information, please detail your enquiry using the form below. If you would like you can contact us directly on 0800 800 300, email us or use the contact us form.

Apply Online

Apply online today to study at New Zealand's leading private Arts, Design Fashion and Technology school, producing the highest quality graduates and shaping exceptional creative citizens.