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Overview

Programme Overview

If you have at least three years professional or industry experience, you are able to enter this programme without a degree. A PGCertFA offers a flexible point of entry into postgraduate study in Fine Arts.

This certificate combines an immersive studio experience with an introduction to contemporary contextual theory, alongside an advanced technical workshop. You will study in a group that matches your particular media focus, led by a senior Fine Arts staff member.

The PGCertFA is intended to complement and extend your creative skills in a way that's relevant to teachers, artists, designers and civic creative specialists.

Upon completion of this certificate, your courses can contribute towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts, which can then be completed with a further semester of study. This provides a pathway to a Master of Fine Arts.

Programme Structure

You will complete a combination of three courses, focused on a specific discipline grouping. You can select from the following disciplines:

  • Paint/print
  • Sculpture 
  • Performance
  • Photo/video/film

These courses offer studio tuition, theoretical context and an opportunity for advanced workshop investigation particular to the discipline.

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

  • Artist
  • Educator
  • Creative Project lead
  • Photographer
  • Art Administrator

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

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Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme 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 (60 point) - A Bachelors degree with a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.5

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

As part of your Application for Admission , you will need to submit an application portfolio using SlideRoom. Your portfolio is comprised of three elements:

  • Creative Works
  • Written Statement
  • Practice-based Curriculum Vitae (CV)

As part of your Application for Admission, you will need to submit an application portfolio using SlideRoom. Your portfolio is comprised of three elements:

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.

Other Pathways to Study

Completion of a Bachelors degree with a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.5 in 60 points above stage II.

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 Two04 July 202620 July 202616 November 2026
2027 Semester Two19 July 2027

Other Important Dates

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

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this postgraduate certificate 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 postgraduate certificate, an applicant must have:

a (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(ii) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher across 60 points above Stage II

and

b demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Programme Director that they have the necessary skills and experience to undertake this postgraduate certificate. This will normally require the submission of a portfolio and may require an interview.

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

3 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 at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Duration and Total Points Value

4 A student admitted to this postgraduate certificate must:

a pass courses with a total value of 60 points

and

b complete within:

(i) one semester of initial enrolment if enrolled full-time

or

(ii) two semesters of initial enrolment if enrolled part-time

and

c not exceed 90 points for the total enrolment for this postgraduate certificate.

Structure and Content

5 A student admitted to this postgraduate certificate must complete the requirements as listed in the Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts Schedule.

6 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.

Variations

7 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

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

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 60 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 60 points for all Option 1, or
  • 60 points for all Option 2, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Option 1

Complete 60 points for ALL of the following:

Option 2

Complete 60 points for ALL of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

Degree Plan for the Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts (Option 1) - Semester 1 start

Year 1
Semester One
FINEARTS 761
Contemporary Practice 1
Option 1
30.0 Points
FINEARTS 762
Creative Technology 1
Option 1
15.0 Points
FINEARTS 763
Theory and Context
Option 1
15.0 Points
ACADINT A01
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

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