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Introduction to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) Programme

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.

Programme Overview

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.

Programme Structure

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.

Key Dates

• February 2026 Intake: 10/02/2026

Duration and Location

• Duration: 1 Year
• Mode: Full-time
• Available Locations: Auckland City Symonds Street Campus

Costs

• Domestic: $9,978 + $300 Student Services Levy
• International: $27,000 + $300 Student Services Levy

Further Study Options

• Level 9 Master of Fine Arts

Academic Calendar

2025 Academic Calendars are available for download.

Qualification

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours)
• NZQA Level 8 (120 credits)

Key Student Information

NZ Government key information link for students is available.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the BFA Honours programme are able to:

• Critically analyse and adapt relevant conceptual, critical, and theoretical frameworks to independent studio-based research
• Frame, refine, and resolve complex ideas through advanced research methodologies in creative contexts
• Generate and present bodies of work to a professional industry standard, evidencing a contextually informed sustained inquiry
• Reflexively innovate creative practice to connect and confidently contribute to wider contemporary discourses

Many graduates have gone on to be successful exhibiting artists, both in New Zealand and overseas. A Fine Arts degree also prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, giving them essential skills for the modern job market, such as the ability to think creatively and flexibly, to work independently or collaboratively, to respond constructively to criticism, and to participate in intelligent debate.

Possible career paths include:

• Exhibiting Artist
• Gallery Manager
• Tertiary Teacher
• Art Consultant
• Art Magazine Editor
• Curatorial Assistant
• Secondary School Teacher
• Arts Administrator
• Set Design and Construction
• Art Project Manager

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have successfully completed an undergraduate qualification equivalent to NZQF Level 7 within the last 3 years
• Achieved a Grade Point Average (GPA) of their final undergraduate year (Level 7 credits) of B – and above (GPA of 4)
• Present a portfolio that reflects the potential to successfully complete the programme
• Submit a Statement of Research Intent
• Demonstrate academic writing ability which reflects the potential for successful study at the graduate level
• Attend an interview

International applicants must:

• Meet English language requirements: IELTS Test – Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6, or equivalent
• Hold a New Zealand qualification or equivalent to any stated above
• Meet New Zealand visa entry requirements

Faculty Members

The faculty includes experienced professionals such as:

• Anton Maurer, Lecturer in Fine Arts
• David Cowlard, Senior Lecturer in Fine Arts
• Dr Glen Snow, Lecturer in Fine Arts
• Matt Dowman, Lecturer in Fine Arts
• Matt Ellwood, Senior Lecturer in Fine Arts
• Richard Maloy, Programme Head in Fine Arts
• Rose Meyer, Certificate Programme Lead in Fine Arts
• Caryline Boreham, Lecturer in Fine Arts
• Sonya Lacey, Postgraduate Programme Lead in Fine Arts

Each faculty member brings extensive experience and expertise to their role, ensuring students receive high-quality guidance and mentorship throughout their studies.