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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme provides an opportunity to advance both your creative practice and research abilities. 

The MFA is open to students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts. This degree is also open to anyone who has completed a university degree, who is able to demonstrate their professional experience through a portfolio that demonstrates their practice as an artist.

Students can enter the programme at the beginning of the year, in the first semester or opt for a mid-year start in the second semester.

The MFA provides a pathway to doctoral level study.

Programme Structure

This research masters gives you an opportunity to complete courses that involve a discipline-specific focus, which is delivered via studio, theory and workshop courses. You will also complete a substantial research project alongside a significant research essay, designed to support the development of high-level academic research skill. In the research masters you will study with the support of an individual supervisor.

  • 180 point Masters
  • 120 point Masters

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

There are three common areas where Fine Arts graduates find employment – public sector, private organisations, or as a practising artist or entrepreneurial creative. As the business world looks to innovators, the capabilities developed through a creative education are becoming highly sought-after.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Academia
  • Art writer or critic
  • Art curator
  • Artist
  • Creative director in an agency
  • Designer
  • Educator
  • Researcher

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Minimum grade requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Taught (120 point) - 4.5 Grade Point Average 

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts 

Research (120 point) - 4.5 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Taught (120 point) - 4.5 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts 

Research (180 point) - 4.5 Grade Point Average         

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Further Programme Entry Requirements

If you need to provide a portfolio as part of your application, then you can submit this using our online platform SlideRoom.Your portfolio needs to be comprised of:

Creative Works

A selection of up to 12 works that demonstrates visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and gives an overall impression of your interests. Your works could include, but are not limited to, the following media: painting, photography, sculpture, design, workbook pages, creative writing samples, recordings of performance, moving image, and/or audio works.

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Practice-based Curriculum Vitae (CV)

This should cover your previous art training, experience, and practice. Include all exhibition(s), art and design-based activities and collaborative projects. It could also include involvement in relevant community activities and details of any academic and/or professional awards / prizes.

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

120-point Masters

You must have completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

180-point Masters

You must have either:

  • completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II
  • completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study and demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Programme Director that they have the necessary skills and experience to undertake this degree. This will normally require the submission of a portfolio and may require an interview. 
  • completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Programme Director that they have the necessary skills and experience to undertake this degree. This will normally require the submission of a portfolio and may require an interview. 


The PGCertFA - Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts can be a pathway option for those who do not currently meet the requirements for the 180-point MFA.

This is a good pathway for people who do not hold any Bachelors degree, but have extensive relevant practical and/or professional experience in Fine Arts discipline.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher, or have the equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (i) (a) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(b) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

and

(ii) demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Programme Director that they have the necessary skills and experience to undertake this degree. This will normally require the submission of a portfolio and may require an interview.

3 Equivalence in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

7 A student admitted to this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Fine Arts Schedule.

8 A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses prior to enrolment in FINEARTS 779, 780 or 781.

9 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

10 a The research essay, research portfolio, studio, studio practice essay, or studio research essay is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The research essay, research portfolio, studio, studio practice essay, or studio research essay topic and/or mode of presentation must be approved by the Programme Director, no later than the end of week two of the first semester of enrolment.

c Examination of the research portfolio or studio through exhibition or performance shall be organised by the Programme Director in consultation with Faculty Academic Services, which will be no earlier than the last day of the twelfth week in the final semester of enrolment and no later than the last day of the final semester of enrolment.

d A student enrolled in the research portfolio must submit a digital copy of the written component to Faculty Academic Services.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

11 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts.

Distinction

12 This degree may be awarded with Honours, Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Deadlines for Completion

13 A student enrolled in the research essay, research portfolio, studio, studio practice essay or studio research essay must complete the assessable outcomes for that course:

a by the date approved by the Programme Director which will be no earlier than the last day of the twelfth week in the final semester of enrolment and no later than the last day of the final semester of enrolment

or

b up to 12 months if enrolled full-time, or its equivalent part-time, after the student’s initial enrolment in the research essay, research portfolio, studio, studio practice essay, or studio research essay with the approval of the Programme Director.

Variations

14 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

180 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

Degree Plan for the Master of Fine Arts 180 points Research (Studio Option)

Year 1
Semester One
Research Methodologies
180 points Requirements - FINE-R3MFA - Master of Fine Arts specialisation in Fine Arts - Research 180 - Compulsory Course
15 Points

Elective Course

30 Points

Elective Course

15 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
Studio
180 points Requirements - FINE-R3MFA - Master of Fine Arts specialisation in Fine Arts - Research 180 - Studio Option - Studio
45 Points
Studio Research Essay
180 points Requirements - FINE-R3MFA - Master of Fine Arts specialisation in Fine Arts - Research 180 - Studio Option - Studio Research Essay
15 Points
Year 2
Semester One
Studio
180 points Requirements - FINE-R3MFA - Master of Fine Arts specialisation in Fine Arts - Research 180 - Studio Option - Studio
45 Points
Studio Research Essay
180 points Requirements - FINE-R3MFA - Master of Fine Arts specialisation in Fine Arts - Research 180 - Studio Option - Studio Research Essay
15 Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism