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Quick Facts

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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.

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

We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study in Fine Arts. 

Contact our Postgraduate Adviser:

Sean Kerr

Email: s.kerr@auckland.ac.nz

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

Further Study Options

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.

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Experience the University

Video

Grace Wright | Making It All Seem Real

Simon Hewson for Gallery 9 and Grace Wright, ‘Making It All Seem Real’, 2021.

Grace's advice for future MFA students

“I think being intentional with the study helps you to get the most out of it. It might be having an area you want to research, or feeling like you need critical feedback. It’s also a great way to better establish yourself as a practicing artist too, or just to push your work further. It’s amazing how you end up creating things you never could have imagined. Lastly I would also say really try to enjoy it and make the most of it, because it goes fast and you never get that time back again.”

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

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

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
2027 Semester One08 December 202601 March 202728 June 2027
2027 Semester Two08 June 202719 July 202715 November 2027

Other Important Dates

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

Additional Information on Key Dates

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.

Entry Requirements

My highest qualification is from the University of Auckland

Programme Entry Requirements

University of Auckland Qualification

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.

4.5 - Grade Point Average

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Master of Fine Arts - 120 point

  • 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.
  • You must have a grade point average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts degree.
  • If you completed your entry degree more than three years prior to your proposed commencement of the MFA, then you may be required to provide a portfolio. We will contact you directly if this is required as part of your application.

Master of Fine Arts - 180 point

  • You must have 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
  • You must have a grade point average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II within your Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, or across your Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts.
  • If you completed your entry degree more than three years prior to your proposed commencement of the MFA, then you may be required to provide a portfolio. We will contact you directly if this is required as part of your application.

or

  • You must hold a Bachelors degree with a grade point average of 4.5 of higher across 75 points of Stage III courses, and have relevant experience.
  • You will be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application and please see the portfolio requirements below for information about this.

Portfolio Requirements

If you need to provide a portfolio as part of your application, then you can submit this using our online platform SlideRoom.To access SlideRoom and upload your portfolio, please log in at uoa.slideroom.com. 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.

Other Pathways to Study

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. 

Postgraduate Requirements

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

My highest qualification is from another tertiary institution

English Language Entry Requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

If you are a domestic applicant, you will generally be considered proficient in English.

6.5 - IELTS Academic score required

No bands less than - 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

For more information about the requirements and English proficiency tests, please see Postgraduate English language requirements.

Programme Entry Requirements External

Qualification from another tertiary institution

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.

4.5 - Grade Point Equivalent

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further Programme Entry Requirements External

Master of Fine Arts - 120 points

  • You must have completed a relevant undergraduate degree or postgraduate diploma at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point equivalent of 4.5 or higher. Your area of study in the degree must have been Fine Arts or a direct equivalent.
  • You will be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application and please see the ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about this.

Master of Fine Arts - 180 points

  • You must have completed an undergraduate fine arts degree (or equivalent) at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point equivalent of 4.5 or higher.
  • You may also be asked to provide a portfolio and if this is needed we will contact you directly once you have submitted your Application for Admission. Please see the portfolio requirements below for information about the portfolio elements.

or

  • You must hold a undergraduate degree from a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point average of 4.5 of higher, and have relevant experience.
  • You will be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application and please see the portfolio requirements below for information about this.

Portfolio Requirements

If you need to provide a portfolio as part of your application, then you can submit this using our online platform SlideRoom.To access SlideRoom and upload your portfolio, please log in at uoa.slideroom.com. 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.

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information see External transfer of credit.

If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

Other Pathways to Study External

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 undergraduate 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.

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.

Honours

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 Rules

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

Graduate Profile

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
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

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