Master of Fine Arts

The MFA is built around a comprehensive programme of supervised studio research and contextual studies requiring self-directed learning and continuing professional development. The principal aims are for students to extend their established creative capacity, develop critical skills and foster a mature understanding of the relationships between their work and contemporary culture. The intensive format of the seminars is structured around themed discussions, guest artist presentations, exhibition visits and studio critique.

The MFA programme consists of four inter-related elements:

Intensive 5-6 day Seminars

Held four times annually, enable students to engage in critical dialogue with peers, supervisors and significant local and international artists, take ownership of the production, installation and contextualisation of their work, and to have informal contact with guest artists through artist talks and discussion groups.

Supervised Self-directed Study

Students work on their research in their own space, in contact with supervisors via studio visits, email and ongoing contributions to blogs and discussion groups.

Relevant Contextual Research

80% of the programme is studio research and 20% is contextual research. Students produce evidence of their contextual research through:

1. An oral presentation in their final semester outlining research direction and emphasis
2. A blog site showcasing analysis of influential modes of practice and critical debate
3. A printed catalogue containing critical essays and photographic evidence of key projects

Final Exhibition

The final MFA exhibition, attended by art dealers, critics, curators and other arts professionals, is the most significant event in the programme - the point at which an international artist or critic helps the internal panel assess each student’s research on its sophistication, critical awareness and professionalism. It is the springboard for our graduates to move from the educational sphere

An appropriate undergraduate degree or equivalent educational or professional experience.

The MFA is a full time, two year, low-residency programme enabling enrolled artists to live and work anywhere in New Zealand. Designed around four, week-long seminars per year, the programme is delivered by faculty and guests that are nationally and internationally-respected artists, critics, writers and curators.

According to their interests and proposed direction of study, students are assigned two supervisors, one studio and one contextual. These assignments are monitored semester to semester in order to best support the direction and emphasis of each student’s practice as it develops throughout the programme.

The programme prepares artists for a professional career working within a diverse field of contemporary art practices across local and international contexts. The interdisciplinary structure and philosophy supports artists in understanding how art and artworks operate in the world, and through regular critique, supervisory guidance, seminar participation and a focus on exhibition and publication practice assists them to develop their individual approach to practice and research.

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