- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts (PGDipFA) gives you the opportunity to integrate studio practice with critical studies.
The PGDipFA is open to anyone with a university degree who also has some relevant professional or industry experience. The diploma offers people who have established careers in the creative sector the chance to extend, refresh and diversify their artistic skill set. Students will bring their diverse experiences into the studio environment.
This diploma is suitable and relevant to people using their practice as part of their working life, eg. teachers, artists, designers, writers, community thinkers and civic creative specialists. You have an opportunity to learn new skills in supportive energetic studio setting and be a contributor to New Zealand’s pre-eminent, postgraduate Fine Arts environment.
Programme structure
The PGDipFA takes two semesters to complete full time.
Students are encouraged to develop their own practice to an advanced level by working in a studio environment that’s supported by contextual study and workshop courses designed to develop new ways of making.
The first semester involves a discipline specific focus that is then followed by a second semester where students combine study into research methodologies with a larger individual studio project.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
120-point PGDipFA - Taught (option 1)
Semester 1 60 points
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 761
- Name:
- Contemporary Practice 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 763
- Name:
- Theories of Practice 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 770
- Name:
- Research Methodologies - Level 9
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Semester 2 60 points
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 758
- Name:
- Creative Practice Methodologies
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 759
- Name:
- Studio
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 45 pts
Sample programme structure
120-point PGDipFA - Taught (option 2)
Semester 1 60 points
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 764
- Name:
- Contemporary Practice 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 766
- Name:
- Theories of Practice 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 770
- Name:
- Research Methodologies - Level 9
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Semester 2 60 points
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 758
- Name:
- Creative Practice Methodologies
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- FINEARTS 759
- Name:
- Studio
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 45 pts
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 optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 4.0
A Bachelor degree from this University
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You must completed a bachelors degree from this University with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in at least 60 points above stage II.
You must also have relevant professional experience applicable to the field of Contemporary Art Practice / Fine Arts. Once you have submitted your Application for Admission, you will then need to submit your application portfolio using SlideRoom.
Your portfolio is 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
If you have a GPA of 3.5 across 75 points at Stage III, then you could seek entry into the PGCertFA as a pathway to the PGDipFA or 180-point MFA degrees.
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 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
A Bachelor degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You must have completed a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point equivalent of 4.0 or higher.
You must also have relevant professional experience applicable to the field of Contemporary Art Practice / Fine Arts.
Once you have submitted your Application for Admission, you will then need to submit your application portfolio using SlideRoom.
Your portfolio is 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
If you have a GPE of 3.5, then you could seek entry into the PGCertFA as a pathway to the PGDipFA or 180-point MFA degrees.
How much does a Postgraduate Diploma in 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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 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 Elam 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
- Animator
- Art curator
- Art director (TV/film)
- Art writer or critic
- Artist
- Creative director in an agency
- Designer
- Educator
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.
For Creative Arts and Industries specific career advice, visit Creative Careers.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
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