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, that can then be completed with a further semester of study and provides a pathway to a Master of Fine Arts.
- Programme structure
- Subjects
- Entry requirements
- Fees and scholarships
- Key dates
- Postgraduate adviser
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.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Option 1 60 points
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 761
- Name:
- Contemporary Practice 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 762
- Name:
- Creative Technology 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 763
- Name:
- Theories of Practice 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Option 2 60 points
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 764
- Name:
- Contemporary Practice 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 765
- Name:
- Creative Technology 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 766
- Name:
- Theories of Practice 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Subjects available in this programme
- Fine Arts
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
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.
-
Study optionTaught 60 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 3.5
A Bachelor degree
Further programme requirements
Taught 60 points
You must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in your Bachelor degree.
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.
Other pathways to study
Alternatively, if you have relevant professional experience which is deemed equivalent to the above standard, then you may be considered for admission.
As part of your Application for Admission, you will also need to submit an application portfolio using SlideRoom.
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.
Programme requirements
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.
-
Study optionTaught 60 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 3.5
A Bachelor degree or equivalent
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands below 6.0.
Further programme requirements
Taught 60 points
You must have completed a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point equivalent of 3.5
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.
Other pathways to study
Alternatively, if you have relevant professional experience which is deemed equivalent to the above standard, then you may be considered for admission.
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.
How much does a Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$5,446.20*
- International students
- NZ$25,163*
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. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $532.80 for full-time study (60 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
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
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
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.
Application closing dates
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
---|---|
Ends – 11 November |
Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
---|---|
Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study in Fine Arts.
Contact our Postgraduate Adviser
Simon Ingram
Email: s.ingram@auckland.ac.nz
Where could this programme take you?
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 service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513