- Duration
- Full-time: 3 to 4 years
- Part-time: 6 to 8 years
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120 points per year of full-time study
- Programme type
- Doctorate
Programme overview
The DocFA involves both writing and practice, with an emphasis on the creative part of your thesis. You will be supervised by a committed team of professionally active, internationally recognised staff from Elam School of Fine Arts and, if appropriate, other schools/departments within the University of Auckland.
The DocFA is the highest-level university qualification in Fine Arts at the University of Auckland that is predominantly founded on studio-based practice. Like the PhD with Creative Scholarly Work, it is expected to be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen field. Candidates work on advanced-level research in a manner relevant to medium-based or post-medium practices throughout the course of the degree.
Alternatively, we also offer the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Fine Arts with a creative practice component. If you wish to undertake a solely written thesis, then a PhD might be for you. For more information see or contact our academic department postgraduate advisors to discuss your options.
More information
Doctoral policies and guidelines
Regulations for the DocFA
Doctoral study in the Elam School of Fine Arts
Programme structure
The University of Auckland DocFA is a three-to-four year full-time advanced creative practice and research degree.
- On entry to the DocFA programme, you will be provisionally enrolled.
- By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the DocFA, including developing a full research proposal for both the creative work and thesis.
- After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis and creative work for examination after three years and within four years of your start date (full-time study). The creative work may be an exhibition, or other approved work. The examination process will include an oral exam.
As part of your DocFA study, you can take part in our doctoral skills programme, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor and the School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.
Part-time enrolment is available for New Zealand students, in which case provisional enrolment lasts for 24 months, and you must submit your full thesis for examination no earlier than 6 years, and within 8 years, of your start date. For students who have undertaken a mix of part-time and full-time study, submission deadlines are calculated on a pro-rata basis.
For international students, your visa conditions will generally stipulate that you must be enrolled for full-time study.
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.
-
Grade required2nd class division i
- Master of Fine Arts
- 10,000-word research essay (MFAs with shorter essays may be required to undertake bridging studies)
- Level of training and ability necessary to undertake advanced doctoral study in fine arts creative practice and research
Further programme requirements
Supervision and research requirements
Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.
You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities.
You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.
How to apply
Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.
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.
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.5
- Masters-level qualification in fine arts
- Level of training and ability necessary to undertake advanced doctoral study in fine arts creative practice and research
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Supervision and research requirements
Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.
You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities.
You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.
All students must meet our English-language requirements as a condition of entry.
How to apply
Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.
How much does a Doctor of Fine Arts cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$7,659.60*
- International students
- NZ$52,770*
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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment.
*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
Eligible candidates can enrol and start their DocFA at any time of year. If you are a New Zealand student, you must enrol within 3 months of your unconditional offer. If you are an international student, you must enrol in the programme within 6 months of your unconditional offer.
As part of the application process, you need to provide an outline of your proposed research project.
Although you are not required to nominate a doctoral supervisor as part of your initial application, you can look at supervisor profiles and research projects currently available. Find a supervisor.
For further support, you can also contact a Student Hub.
Where could this programme take you?
The DocFA is an opportunity for both experienced and emerging artists to undertake advanced-level research and practice to further their development within their chosen creative field.
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