Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts – GDipFA

The Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts is designed for skilled graduates seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in fine arts. This qualification is offered by Massey University and is classified as a graduate diploma.

Type of Qualification

• Graduate diploma
• Level of study: Graduate study, NZQF level 7

Time to Complete

• 1 year full-time (120 credits)
• Part-time available

Where You Can Study

• Wellington campus
• Open to international students on campus in New Zealand

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study a Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts – GDipFA

Students will study alongside other fine arts students in courses at various levels, predominantly at the 300 level. The program offers an interdisciplinary studio environment where students can work in any media, including sculpture, painting, drawing, performance, installation, moving image, photography, printmaking, site-responsive work, curatorial activities, and art writing.

A GDipFA is a Good Fit If You:

• Already have a creative practice and seek academic consolidation
• Already have a tertiary qualification and wish to reskill in Fine Arts

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific Requirements

• This is a selected entry qualification with additional requirements.
• To be admitted, students must:
  • Have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent.
  • Have demonstrated equivalent practical, professional, and/or scholarly experience.
• Students will also be assessed on a portfolio of work and may be required to participate in an interview.

Application Closing Date

• Applications close on 30 November for study commencing the following year.

English Language Requirements

• To study this qualification, students must meet Massey University's English language standards.
• This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

Structure of the Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts

Credit Summary

• 120 credits
  • Schedule A: Compulsory course selection – 30 credits
  • Schedule B: Core Studio courses – 60 credits
  • Schedule C: Elective Courses from the College of Creative Arts – 30 credits

Course Planning Key

• Prerequisites: Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level.
• Corequisites: Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course.
• Restrictions: Some courses are restricted against each other due to similar content.

Schedule A: Compulsory Options

• Choose 30 credits from:
  • Transformation: Discourse in Design
  • Creative Communities
  • Introduction to Fine Arts Research Methods and Practices
  • Professional Cultures in Art 3
  • Critical Understandings of Contemporary Art
  • Kōrero Tuku Iho | Cosmological Narratives within Māori Creative Expression
  • Mātauranga Toi Māori 3: Creative Innovation and Community Leadership

Schedule B: Core Studio

• Choose 60 credits from:
  • Fine Arts Studio 3.3: Practice
  • Fine Arts Studio 3.1: Project
  • Fine Arts Studio 3.2: Public Exhibition
  • Toi Atea 3.1: Mana Whenua

Schedule C: Elective Courses

• Any 200 or 300 level courses from the College of Creative Arts

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $8,420
• International students: $42,110

Student Loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free Scheme

• Eligible domestic students may be eligible for a student loan or the Fees Free scheme.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

• Search Massey University's scholarships and awards for available opportunities.

Accreditations and Rankings

• The College of Creative Arts ranks in the global top 200 for art and design by QS World University Rankings.

Related Study Options

• Certificate in Creative Arts – CertCreativeArt
• Diploma in Creative Arts – DipCreativeArts
• Expressive Arts – Bachelor of Communication
• Master of Fine Arts – MFA
• Mātauranga Toi Māori – Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours
• Mātauranga Toi Māori – Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts – PGDipFA
• Visual Communication Design – Bachelor of Design with Honours
• Visual Communication Design – Bachelor of Design
• Without Specialisation – Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours
• Without Specialisation – Bachelor of Fine Arts

The Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to fine arts, preparing them for advanced study or professional practice in the field. With its flexible structure and range of elective courses, this qualification is ideal for students seeking to expand their creative practice and knowledge in fine arts.

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Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts (GDipFA) - Massey University

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Degree Overview:

The Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts (GDipFA) at Massey University is a one-year program (120 credits) designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience who want to gain new knowledge and skills in fine arts. The program provides an immersive and challenging environment where students can:

• Expand their knowledge and practice of contemporary art: Through studio practice courses, critical and contextual studies, and engagement with experts from the creative sector.
• Develop their own artistic voice: By working with other talented individuals in a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Gain valuable professional experience: Through internships, guest speakers, and project-based learning opportunities.

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Outline:

The GDipFA at Massey University is comprised of:

• Part A: Compulsory Courses (90 credits):
• These courses cover the core foundations of contemporary art practice, including:
• Creative Communities (15 credits)
• Art Studio IIIA (30 credits)
• Art Studio IIIB (30 credits)
• Introduction to Fine Arts Research Methods and Practices (15 credits)
• Creative Cultures & Ideas (15 credits)
• Creative Cultures & Display (15 credits)
• Part B: Elective Courses (30 credits):
• Students choose 30 credits from a wide range of courses, depending on their interests and career aspirations.
Some electives include:
• Fine Arts Special Topic II (15 credits)
• Drawing in Practice (15 credits)
• Drawing the Body II (15 credits)
• Contemporary Art Projects (various topics) (15 credits)
• Fine Arts Internship (15 credits)

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Assessment:

Assessment varies depending on the specific course, but may include:

• Studio critiques and presentations: Individual and group discussions of artistic works and critical analysis of the creative process.
• Essays and research papers: Demonstrating critical thinking and theoretical understanding of contemporary art issues.
• Small class sizes: Ensuring personalized attention and mentorship from experienced faculty members.
• Expert instructors: With diverse backgrounds and specializations in contemporary art practices.
• Interdisciplinary approach: Blending studio practice, critical studies, and professional development to prepare graduates for a variety of career paths in the arts.

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Careers:

The GDipFA prepares graduates for careers in:

• Arts administration and curation: Managing galleries, museums, and other arts organizations.
• Artist-run initiatives and collectives: Collaborating with other artists to create and present innovative work.
• Community arts projects and education: Engaging diverse communities in creative projects and fostering artistic understanding.
• Arts writing and criticism: Analyzing and commenting on contemporary art for publications, websites, and other platforms.
• Freelance artist: Establishing an independent artistic practice and pursuing self-directed projects.

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Other:

• The GDipFA is open to international students who meet the entry requirements.
• The program is offered full-time during the day or part-time over eight years, providing flexibility for working professionals.

Massey University of New Zealand - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

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Overview:

Massey University is a research-led university in New Zealand, known for its excellence in innovation and the creation of new knowledge. It offers a wide range of academic programs and support services to students.

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Services Offered:

Massey University provides a variety of support services to students, including: *

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Academic support:

Guidance and resources for academic success. *

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Student life services:

Support for personal well-being, career development, and social engagement. *

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Māori @ Massey:

Dedicated services and resources for Māori students. *

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Pacific Massey:

Support and resources for Pacific students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-led institution:

Massey University is known for its strong research focus and commitment to innovation.

Diverse student body:

The university welcomes students from various backgrounds and cultures.

Supportive environment:

Massey provides a range of services and resources to help students succeed.

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Other:

Distance and online study:

Massey offers a wide range of distance and online study options.

Alumni network:

The university has a strong alumni network that provides support and connections for graduates.