Duration
Full-time: half-year Part-time: varies
Next start date
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
2026 Semester Two – 20 July
Available locations
City
Points
60
Programme type
Postgraduate

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

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2025 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 option
    Taught 60 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 3.5

    A Bachelor degree

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Taught 60 points

You must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above stage II of 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 option
    Taught 60 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 3.5

    A Bachelor degree or equivalent

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands below 6.0.

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

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 or high in 60 points above stage II.

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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.

Other important dates

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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?

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Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

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Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

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923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513