Program Overview

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Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts – PGDipFA

The Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts gives you the opportunity for advanced study in contemporary art. It is the entry point into fine arts postgraduate study at Massey University.

Type of Qualification

• Postgraduate diploma
• Level of study: Postgraduate study, NZQF level 8

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts – PGDipFA

The Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts combines theoretical inquiry with studio-based practice. It focuses on identifying, exploring, and developing research methods that are relevant to current art practices and enquiry.

Emphasis

• Exploring process as a key component of art making
• Developing advanced research techniques and methodology
• Learning strategies that aim to refine and enhance your working methods
• Building an extensive knowledge base of contemporary cultural history and theory
• Laying the groundwork for MFA or PhD study

A PGDipFA is a Good Fit If You

• Studied art at undergraduate level
• Want to do a Master of Fine Arts but don’t have an honours degree
• Want to develop your research and analysis skills

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

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

Specific Requirements

• Have gained a relevant bachelor’s degree with a grade average that demonstrates an adequate level of preparation
• Be selected into the qualification through an interview and the assessment of a portfolio of submitted work
• Have an appropriate level of English language proficiency

Application Closing Date

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

English Language Requirements

To study this qualification, you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit or other questions, review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations.

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts

Credit Summary

• 120 credits
  • Core course: 15 credits
  • Core studio selection: 45-60 credits
  • Project development: 30 credits
  • Elective course(s): 15-30 credits

Courses and Specialisations

Core Courses

• Choose 15 credits from:
  • Creative Leadership
  • Fine Arts Research Seminar
  • Art in Context
  • Exhibition
  • Creative Exposition
  • Creative Practice Research Methods
  • Māori Research Methodologies for Creative Practice

Core Studio Selection

• Choose between 45 and 60 credits from:
  • Art Studio IV B
  • Fine Arts Research Project: Honours

Project Development

• Choose 30 credits from:
  • Art Studio IV A Research
  • Fine Arts Research and Development: Honours

Elective Courses

• Any 400-level or 700-level courses from the College of Creative Arts

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $11,615
• International students: $46,100

Student Loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free Scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

• Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship

Accreditations and Rankings

• QS Ranking - Art & Design: 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
• Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts – GDipFA
• Master of Fine Arts – MFA
• Mātauranga Toi Māori – Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours
• Mātauranga Toi Māori – Bachelor of Fine Arts
• 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

Colleges

• Massey Business School
• College of Creative Arts
• College of Health
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• College of Sciences

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