Fine Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at the University of Canterbury offers a comprehensive and immersive educational experience for students passionate about developing their artistic skills, conceptual thinking, and creative practice. This program is designed for aspiring artists who wish to explore diverse mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, printmaking, and new media, within a vibrant and supportive academic environment. Students will engage in both practical workshops and theoretical studies, fostering a deep understanding of contemporary art practices, art history, and critical analysis.

Throughout the BFA programme, students are encouraged to experiment, innovate, and critically reflect on their work and the wider cultural context. The curriculum emphasizes individual artistic development, providing opportunities for students to produce a substantial body of work and participate in exhibitions, allowing them to build their portfolios and presence within the art community. Mentored by experienced Faculty members and visiting artists, students will refine their technical skills and conceptual frameworks, preparing them for careers in the arts, including studio practice, gallery management, curatorial work, or further postgraduate study.

The programme also promotes engagement with local and international art scenes through field trips, internships, and collaborative projects. Facilities include dedicated studio spaces, workshops, digital laboratories, and exhibition areas, supporting diverse modes of creative production. Graduates of the BFA at the University of Canterbury are well-equipped with the artistic, analytical, and professional skills necessary to succeed in a dynamic and evolving cultural landscape. Whether pursuing a professional career or continuing with postgraduate research, students will leave the programme with a robust foundation in fine arts, a strong portfolio, and an understanding of their unique artistic voice.

Qualification structure and duration

The Bachelor of Fine Arts requires a total of 480 points: 

• Fine Arts Intermediate Year (120 points)
• your specialist studio subject (270 points)
• courses from the Bachelor of Arts or other degrees (including some compulsory Art History and Theory or Cinema Studies courses) (75 points). 

Intermediate Year

The Fine Arts Intermediate Year consists of FINA 101 What is Practice?, FINA 102 Communities of Practice, and FINA 103 Studio Practice as well as 30 points of 100-level Art History and Theory courses.

On passing the Intermediate Year, most students are able to gain a place in one of their two studio electives. However, your grades in the Intermediate Year will influence this. In the second, third and fourth years of the BFA, you will specialise in one subject.

Entry requirements

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Domestic applicants over 20 who do not hold University Entrance, or equivalent, may gain admission by providing evidence of their ability to complete tertiary study successfully. For information on gaining admission to UC please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications. This degree has additional entry requirements – please see below.

You are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.

Specific entry requirements

To apply for admission to the Intermediate Year (first year) of the BFA directly from school, you need to:

• achieve NCEA Level 3 Visual Arts in one or more subjects; and
• have at least 14 credits in each of two other NCEA Level 3 subjects (that are not practical art subjects) is also strongly recommended; or
• the equivalent standards in other qualification frameworks.

The University of Canterbury offers various financial support options for students enrolled in its Fine Arts programmes. Domestic students pursuing undergraduate degrees may be eligible for government tuition loans and allowances, such as the Student Loan Scheme administered by StudyLink, which provides loans to cover tuition fees and living costs. Additionally, students can apply for scholarships specific to Fine Arts students, which are available through the university’s scholarship office. These scholarships often recognize academic achievement, talent, or financial need and can provide financial assistance ranging from partial to full coverage of tuition fees, as well as grants for materials and project expenses. International students admitted to Fine Arts programmes are generally responsible for paying the full tuition fees, but they can seek funding through external scholarships, government grants, or sponsorships, where available. The university also supports students in applying for external funding opportunities, including arts grants and fellowships from New Zealand arts organizations and international arts foundations. Part-time employment on or near campus offers another avenue for supplementing student income, with campus job opportunities frequently available for students balancing work and study commitments. Furthermore, the university’s financial aid office provides guidance on budgeting, managing study expenses, and navigating available financial support mechanisms. For postgraduate Fine Arts students, there may be research grants and project funding options accessible through university research committees or external arts councils. Overall, the financial landscape for Fine Arts students at the University of Canterbury combines government-supported loans and allowances, university scholarships and grants, external funding opportunities, and part-time employment options, all aimed at supporting students financially throughout their studies and enabling access to quality arts education without undue financial hardship.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at the University of Canterbury is a comprehensive program designed for students passionate about developing their talents and expertise in various disciplines within the visual and applied arts. The program emphasizes both practical skills and theoretical understanding, encouraging students to explore creative processes and express their artistic ideas across diverse media. Students enrolled in the BFA have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, digital arts, and multidisciplinary practices. The curriculum combines studio practice, art history, and contemporary theory, providing a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for professional careers in the arts industry or further postgraduate studies.

The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces, allowing students to experiment and refine their craft in a supportive environment. Throughout their studies, students are mentored by experienced academic staff who are active practitioners and researchers in their fields. The program encourages creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, fostering a vibrant artistic community on campus. Additionally, students have opportunities to participate in exhibitions, exhibitions, internships, and collaborative projects, gaining valuable exposure and networking connections.

The BFA at the University of Canterbury aims to develop not only technical skills but also critical and reflective abilities essential for a sustainable career in the arts. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue careers as professional artists, illustrators, curators, arts educators, and entrepreneurs within the creative industries. The program also supports students interested in interdisciplinary practice, combining visual arts with emerging technologies or other academic disciplines. Overall, the Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury offers an immersive and dynamic learning experience that nurtures artistic talent and cultural awareness, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the contemporary arts scene.