Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Fine Arts

The University of Canterbury's Bachelor of Fine Arts is a prestigious degree that provides students with a broad knowledge in visual arts, multimedia, and design before specializing in one of five majors.

What Will My Study Involve?

In the first year, students are introduced to all five studio specializations, giving them the chance to develop their passion before continuing in one Fine Arts subject from the second year. Students enjoy 24-hour access to their own personal studio space from the second year and work in purpose-built studios with access to technician workshops, workrooms, darkrooms, computer labs, and the Ilam Campus Gallery.

Entry Requirements

To apply for admission to the Intermediate Year (first year) of the BFA, students need to have met University Entrance requirements. The university prefers students who took arts in high school, but anyone with a good portfolio will be considered. All applicants need to submit an application form, a letter of introduction, and a portfolio of work.

How to Apply

Entry to the first year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts is limited. Students should read the Information pack for new Fine Arts applicants and then send their application materials by November 15th. This includes the Application for Fine Arts Intermediate course form, a letter of introduction, and a portfolio of work, including a written statement.

Portfolio of Work

The application should include a portfolio of 12 image-based examples of artwork. The format should be in color and can be submitted in an A4 or A3 folder or as a single file PDF. This is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their competency and ability in artmaking, as well as their best possible presentation of work and ability to express their thinking in a written statement.

Degree Structure

The Bachelor of Fine Arts requires a total of 480 points:

• 90 points of compulsory Fine Arts courses
• 45 points of compulsory Art History and Theory and/or Cinema Studies courses
• 270 points towards a specialist studio subject
• 75 points from courses in Arts or other degrees.

Fine Arts Majors

The university offers five studio specializations in the Bachelor of Fine Arts:

• Moving Image
• Graphic Design
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture

Fees

2025 tuition fee estimate for domestic students: $7,778 per 120 points 2026 tuition fee estimate for domestic students: $8,245 per 120 points 2025 tuition fee estimate for international students: $37,275 per 120 points 2026 tuition fee estimate for international students: $38,730 per 120 points 2027 tuition fee estimate for international students: $40,435 per 120 points

Further Study

The university's postgraduate Fine Arts options include:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts
• Postgraduate Diploma in Art Curatorship
• Master of Fine Arts

Careers

Graduates are working as professional artists, art gallery directors, photojournalists, art historians, consultants, and more. The degree provides students with creative and practical skills in their chosen specialization, as well as organizational and time management skills.