- Duration
- Full-time: Varies
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120 or 180
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught & research options available
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:
15 points FINEARTS 770: Research Methodologies
45 points FINEARTS 761-766
And either:
120 point FINEARTS 781: Research Portfolio
Or
90 points FINEARTS 779: Studio
30 points FINEARTS 780: Studio Research Essay
120 point Masters:
120 point FINEARTS 781: Research Portfolio
Or
90 points FINEARTS 779: Studio
30 points FINEARTS 780: Studio Research Essay
Learn more about the postgraduate Fine Arts courses.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2025 entry requirements
Programme requirements
180-point MFA:
Prior study completed at the University of Auckland:
- You must have a grade point average of 4.5 or higher across 75 points of Stage III courses 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 ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about this.
Prior study completed at another tertiary institution or equivalent:
- You must have completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (or equivalent) 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 ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about the portfolio elements.
or
- You must hold a Bachelors degree 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 ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about this.
120-point MFA:
Prior study completed at the University of Auckland:
- You must have a grade point average of 4.5 or higher across your 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.
Prior study completed at another tertiary institution or equivalent:
- You must have completed a Bachelors Honours or Postgraduate Diploma degree 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.
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
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.
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.
Other pathways to study
The 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.
How much does a Master of Fine Arts cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,892.40*
- International students
- NZ$50,327*
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 $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 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 One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| 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
- Academia
- Art writer or critic
- Art curator
- Artist
- Creative director in an agency
- Designer
- Educator
- Researcher
Returning to study after working as an artist for three years, Grace reached a stage where she was ready for more critical feedback.
Read or view Grace's storyStudent career planning service
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