Program Overview

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Introduction to the Bachelor of Fine Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a three-year undergraduate degree that provides students with the skills and knowledge to develop a meaningful creative practice. The program is designed to help students find their voice and secure the skills needed to succeed in the creative industries.

Programme Overview

The BFA program is flexible, allowing students to build a pathway of study that feels right for them. The program is divided into three key areas: creative artistic practices, research themes, and creative careers. Students will have the opportunity to explore a range of practices, including art writing, ceramics, curatorial practices, digital media, drawing, installation, moving image, ng toi taketake, painting, performance art, photography, print sculpture, social and public art, and sound art.

Programme Structure

The broad structure of the program is as follows:

• Seven core courses: FINEARTS 110, 111, 112, 113, 320, 321, 322 (165 points)
• Two elective courses from FINEARTS 205236 (30 points)
• Two elective courses from FINEARTS 240250 (60 points)
• Two General Education courses (2 x 15 points)
• Additional elective courses from this degree (up to 75 points)
• Additional elective courses from other bachelors degrees (up to 45 points)

Conjoint Options

Conjoint programs allow students to pursue two undergraduate bachelor's degrees at the same time. The BFA can be conjoint with a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.

Entry Requirements

New Zealand Secondary School Qualifications

To be guaranteed entry to the program, students must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard and achieve a rank score. The indicative entry requirements are as follows:

• NCEA: 150
• CIE: 150
• IB: 26

Tertiary Qualifications

Students who have studied at a tertiary institution can transfer to the BFA program if they meet the required grade point average (GPA) or grade point equivalent (GPE).

International Students

International students must meet the equivalent entry requirements, including English language proficiency. The indicative entry requirements are as follows:

• IB: 24
• GCE A Level: CCC
• IELTS: 6.0 (no bands less than 5.5)

Fees

The 2026 fees for the BFA program are as follows:

• Domestic students: NZ$8,785.20
• International students: NZ$44,974

Key Dates

• Applications close: 8 December
• Semester One start date: 2 March
• Semester Two start date: 20 July

Career Opportunities

The BFA program prepares students for a range of career opportunities, including:

• Art Director
• Artist
• Creative Strategist
• Creative Project Lead
• Educator
• Filmmaker
• Writer
• Visual Designer

Further Study Options

Graduates of the BFA program can pursue further study options, including:

• Master of Fine Arts
• Doctor of Fine Arts
• Doctor of Philosophy

Student Testimonial

Logan Moffat, a graduate of the BFA program, credits the program with helping him develop critical thinking skills and create more authentic work.