Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours – BFA(Hons)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides students with the opportunity to extend their skills and push the boundaries of contemporary art production. This qualification is designed to give students a competitive edge in a world where initiative and confidence are an advantage, and where new careers continue to be invented.

Type of Qualification

• Bachelor's degree with honours
• Level of study: Undergraduate study (NZQF level 8)
• Time to complete: 4 years full-time (480 credits), with part-time options available
• International students: 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 Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours – BFA(Hons)

This qualification allows students to gain a competitive edge in the art world by spending 2/3 of their time in the studio, experiencing different approaches to making art, and developing their own unique practice. The Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours is not media-specific, enabling students to focus on the methods and ideas of contemporary art production and make bodies of new work that are responsive to a variety of contexts.

Areas of Study

Students can work across a range of media, including:

• Sculpture
• Painting
• Drawing
• Performance
• Installation
• Moving image
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Site-responsive work
• Curatorial activities
• Art writing

Looking for a Shorter Qualification?

• Certificate in Creative Arts (6 months full-time; available part-time)
• Diploma in Creative Arts (12 months full-time; available part-time)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (3 years full-time; available part-time)

A BFA(Hons) is a Good Fit if You:

• Are passionate about art and art-making
• Love experimentation, creative expression, and critical thinking
• Want the freedom to be yourself, with easy access to tutors and excellent technical facilities

Entry Requirements

• Admission to Massey: All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
• Specific requirements: There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification other than those required to study at university.
• 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 or contact us.

English Language Skills

• If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum Time Limits for Completion

• There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official Regulations

• To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate, read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

Structure of the Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours

• In the first year, you will be in mixed studio classes with design students.
• In the second year and beyond, your art studio classes will be made up of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year BFA students working with 2 art lecturers.

Electives

• You can use your elective courses to:
  • Take courses from across the college
  • Add a Minor to boost your Major
  • Follow a pathway to deepen your knowledge
  • Explore courses from other parts of the university

Pathways

• Informal study pathways let you tailor your degree to suit your interests, career goals, or further study plans.
• At Toi Rauwhārangi, we believe creativity can change the world. Our interdisciplinary pathways enable you to make an impact by diving deeper into big issues like:
  • Climate change
  • Material innovation
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Social change
  • Exhibition and curation
  • Printmaking

Courses and Specialisations

• Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers.
• You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
• Course code: Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course.
• Credits: Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
• Specialisations: Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit Summary

• 480 credits
  • Compulsory core (non-studio) courses – 120 credits
  • Studio courses – 270 credits
  • 400-level elective from Schedule B (or the BDes(Hons) Schedule C) – 15 credits
  • Electives – 75 credits

Schedule A: Core Courses

Part One

Critical Studies (Choose at least 15 credits from)

• Music, People, Places Credits: 15 credits
• Nga Hanga Whakairo: Traditional Māori Visual Art Credits: 15 credits
• Design, Purpose, People and Place Credits: 15 credits
• Art, Culture and Contexts Credits: 15 credits
• Screen Arts, Creativity and Critical Thinking Credits: 15 credits

Professional Cultures (Choose 15 credits from)

• Professional Cultures in Commercial Music 1 Credits: 15 credits
• Professional Cultures in Design 1 Credits: 15 credits
• Professional Cultures in Art 1 Credits: 15 credits
• Professional Cultures in Screen Arts 1 Credits: 15 credits
• Mātauranga Toi Māori 1: Māori Practices as a Māori Creative Practitioner Credits: 15 credits

Core Studios (Choose at least 30 credits from)

• Fine Arts Studio 1.1: Art Lab Credits: 15 credits
• Fine Arts Studio 1.2: Media and Processes Credits: 15 credits
• Toi Ātea 1 Credits: 15 credits

Explorations: choose at least 2 (Choose at least 30 credits from)

• Explorations in Visualisation Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Materials and Making Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Creative Coding and Media Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Modelling Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Digital Asset Creation Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Drawing Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Pacific Positionalities Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Narrative Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Image and Meaning Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Colour and Context Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Toi Auaha – Paint and Creative Expression Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Te Aho Pūoro Māori – An Introduction and Insight into Traditional Māori Instruments Credits: 15 credits

Part Two

Critical Studies (Choose at least 15 credits from)

• Music and Ethics Credits: 15 credits
• Ngā Momo Whakairo: Contemporary Māori Visual Art Credits: 15 credits
• Design in the Pluriverse Credits: 15 credits
• Critical Perspectives on Contemporary Art Credits: 15 credits
• Screen Arts, Societies and Cultures Credits: 15 credits

Professional Cultures (Choose 15 credits from)

• Professional Cultures in Commercial Music 2 Credits: 15 credits
• Professional Cultures in Design 2 Credits: 15 credits
• Professional Cultures in Art 2 Credits: 15 credits
• Professional Cultures in Screen Arts 2 Credits: 15 credits
• Mātauranga Toi Māori 2: Māori Creative Practices and Cultural Continuity Credits: 15 credits

Core Studios (Choose at least 60 credits from)

• Fine Arts Studio 2.3: Practice Credits: 30 credits
• Fine Arts Studio 2.1: Project Credits: 15 credits
• Fine Arts Studio 2.2: Exhibition Credits: 15 credits
• Toi Atea 2 Credits: 15 credits

Part Three

Critical Studies (Choose at least 15 credits from)

• Music, Politics, Economies Credits: 15 credits
• Transformation: Discourse in Design Credits: 15 credits
• Critical Understandings of Contemporary Art Credits: 15 credits
• Locating a Critical Screen Practice Credits: 15 credits
• Kōrero Tuku Iho | Cosmological Narratives within Māori Creative Expression Credits: 15 credits

Professional Cultures (Choose 15 credits from)

• Professional Cultures in Commercial Music 3 Credits: 15 credits
• Professional Cultures in Design 3 Credits: 15 credits
• Professional Cultures in Art 3 Credits: 15 credits
• Professional Cultures in Screen Arts 3 Credits: 15 credits
• Mātauranga Toi Māori 3: Creative Innovation and Community Leadership Credits: 15 credits

Core Studios (Choose at least 60 credits from)

• Fine Arts Studio 3.3: Practice Credits: 30 credits
• Fine Arts Studio 3.1: Project Credits: 15 credits
• Fine Arts Studio 3.2: Public Exhibition Credits: 15 credits

Part Four

Compulsory Courses (Choose 90 credits from)

• Fine Arts Research and Development: Honours Credits: 30 credits
• Fine Arts Research Project: Honours Credits: 60 credits

Creative Arts Research Methods (Choose 15 credits from)

• Creative Practice Research Methods Credits: 15 credits
• Māori Research Methodologies for Creative Practice Credits: 15 credits

Schedule B: Specialisations

• Mātauranga Toi Māori
• Without Specialisation

Schedule C: Electives

• Painting Credits: 15 credits
• Contemporary Sculpture Credits: 15 credits
• Contemporary Drawing Credits: 15 credits
• Explorations in Drawing Credits: 15 credits
• Fine Arts Studio 2.1: Project Credits: 15 credits
• Fine Arts Studio 2.2: Exhibition Credits: 15 credits
• Drawing in Practice Credits: 15 credits
• Drawing the Body II Credits: 15 credits
• Creative Arts Project 2A Credits: 15 credits
• Creative Arts Project 2B Credits: 15 credits
• Creative Arts Project 2C Credits: 15 credits
• Creative Arts Project 2D Credits: 15 credits
• Creative Arts Project 3B Credits: 15 credits
• Fine Arts Studio 3.1: Project Credits: 15 credits
• Fine Arts Studio 3.2: Public Exhibition Credits: 15 credits
• Drawing the Body III Credits: 15 credits
• Creative Arts Project 3C Credits: 15 credits
• Fine Arts Internship Credits: 15 credits
• Creative Arts Special Topic 4A Credits: 15 credits
• Art in Context Credits: 15 credits

Fees and Scholarships

• 2026 tuition fees:
  • Domestic students: $8,420
  • International students: $42,110
• Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
• Scholarship and award opportunities:
  • Creative Kickstarter Scholarship
  • Hinemoa Hilliard Memorial Scholarship
  • Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers

Careers and Job Opportunities

You will be prepared for any career that requires creativity, resilience, determination, critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to technical excellence. The Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours can be an entrance to professional fine arts practice, or it may lead to a variety of career opportunities in art-related fields. These can include art education, arts administration, or creative industries where problem-solving skills are in demand.

What Our Students Say

• "One of the strengths of Massey's fine arts degree is that it's focused on being a contemporary practising artist." - Tobias Allen
• "Some of the most valuable skills I gained were how to deliver and present my art and writing, and to be self-directed when constructing a project. I liked the way Massey provides the resources to create and become an artist without telling you exactly how to do it." - Isabella Loudon
• "I loved the entire experience of art school. It was exactly where I wanted to be, who I wanted to be, and be with, in a supportive environment, where I could push boundaries…" - Jordana Bragg

Accreditations and Rankings

• QS Ranking - Art & Design: College of Creative Arts – Toi Rauwhārangi ranks in the global top 200 for art and design by QS World University Rankings.

The program emphasizes student-led learning and encourages the development of a unique and individual voice.

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Objectives:

• Produce work that makes people think and feel, act and react.
• Enable students to find and develop their own creative voice.
• Provide students with the freedom to be themselves and support their artistic endeavors.
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the contemporary art world.

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Description:

• The BFA(Hons) program is not media specific, allowing students to focus on the methods and ideas of contemporary art production.
• Through a variety of studio courses, students will gain experience in different approaches to making art.
• The program emphasizes collaboration and working alongside students across disciplines and year levels.
• Students are encouraged to experiment and explore, with the support of leading New Zealand artists.
• The BFA(Hons) is a demanding program that will stretch students and immerse them in art-making.

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Outline:

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Content:

• Contemporary art production
• A variety of media, such as sculpture, painting, drawing, performance, installation, moving image, photography, printmaking, site-responsive work, and curatorial activities.
• Critical thinking and creative expression
• Research and theory in contemporary art

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Structure:

• Full-time: 4 years (480 credits)
• Part-time: up to 8 years
• Location: Wellington campus

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Modules:

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Year 1:

• Studio I (Art Lab)
• Studio I (Art Place)
• One of the following:
• Studio I (Object)
• Studio I (Dress)
• Three of the following:
• Studio I (Object)
• Studio I (Dress)
• Studio I (Lens)
• Studio I (Screen)
• Studio I (Type)
• Studio I (Material)
• Studio I (Space)
• Studio I (Imagine)

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Year 2:

• Art Studio IIA
• Art Studio IIB
• Creative Cultures & Contexts I
• One of the following:
• Creative Collaboration
• Creative Cultures & Contexts II

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Year 3:

• Art Studio IIIA
• Art Studio IIIB
• Introduction to Fine Arts Research Methods and Practices
• Creative Cultures & Ideas
• One of the following:
• Creative Communities
• Creative Cultures & Display

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Year 4:

• Art Studio IV A Research
• Art Studio IV B
• Fine Arts Research Seminar
• One of the following:
• Creative Leadership
• Exhibition
• Creative Exposition

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Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through studio work, projects, presentations, and written assignments.
• Final exhibition or project.

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Teaching:

• The program includes a high level of individual supervision and support from experienced artists and academics.
• Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and develop their own artistic voice.
• The program offers a variety of studio courses, workshops, and lectures.
• Guest speakers and visiting artists provide additional inspiration and insights.

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Careers:

• Professional artist
• Arts administrator
• Art educator
• Curator
• Gallery director
• Museum professional
• Critic
• Writer
• And more

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Other:

• The BFA(Hons) program is designed to prepare students for a successful career in the arts.
• The program provides students with a strong foundation in contemporary art theory and practice.
• Students will develop a portfolio of their work that will be beneficial for future job applications and exhibitions.

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.