Fine Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at Massey University offers a comprehensive and immersive education in the visual arts, designed to cultivate creativity, technical skills, and critical thinking in aspiring artists. This programme provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of disciplines within the fine arts, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, mixed media, and contemporary practices. Delivered through a combination of practical workshops, lectures, critiques, and independent studio work, the BFA programme aims to foster individual artistic development within a supportive and inspiring environment. Students are encouraged to experiment with different mediums and concepts, develop their unique artistic voice, and engage actively with local and global art communities. The curriculum emphasizes both traditional skills and innovative approaches, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in professional art practice, curatorial work, art education, or further academic research. Throughout the degree, students benefit from the expertise of experienced faculty members and access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces. The programme also emphasizes critical reflection, research, and the professional presentation of artworks, preparing students to navigate the complexities of careers in the arts. Upon graduation, students will possess a solid foundation in fine arts, a distinctive portfolio, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to the creative industries. Massey University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts is ideal for motivated individuals seeking a rigorous, supportive environment to develop their artistic talents and build a sustainable career in the arts.

The PhD in Fine Arts is a thesis-based degree focused on developing a singular, practice-based thesis project that entails working in close co-operation with a supervisory team. The PhD builds on the momentum of Masters-level work and/or equivalent research. Candidates develop and refine the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of previous creative research into a new, fine-tuned creative work plus a substantial piece of writing (minimum 30,000 words). Together, these works will represent an original contribution to the fields of art and culture.

The thesis is an integrated report of supervised work. If it consists of several studies or cases, the candidate shall demonstrate their relationship to one another. The thesis may consist of the candidate's published or unpublished material, or a combination of both.

Candidates submitting a thesis in the creative and performing arts may prepare a presentation which consists of creative work and written components. Creative works and performance should take a form appropriate to the discipline.

The PhD normally involves research for a minimum of three years full-time, or four years part-time. Research conducted for the Master's Degree may form part of the doctoral thesis.

Enrolment for the PhD degree is available to people who have completed a Bachelors or Masters degree with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (Division I) or who hold comparable qualifications.

The University's Doctoral Research Committee administers the PhD degree. The Committee will only allow registration if the relevant Head of School/Institute has agreed to provide supervision and facilities for the candidate's research.

Candidates interested in this programme should consult with the Postgraduate Coordinator for the specific subject area.

Massey University Masterate Scholarship

Masterate Scholarships are offered for the purpose of encouraging postgraduate research at Massey University. Applicants must be enrolled or eligible to enrol full-time in a 120 credit research programme towards a Masters degree at Massey University.

Massey University Masterate Scholarship for Māori Students

Masterate Scholarships for Māori students are offered for the purpose of encouraging postgraduate research at Massey University. Applicants must be enrolled or eligible to enrol full-time in a 120 credit research programme towards a Masters degree.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at Massey University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed for students who are passionate about developing their skills and creative expression in the visual arts. This degree offers a diverse curriculum that covers a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital media, and contemporary practices. The program emphasizes both practical artistic skills and theoretical understanding, fostering students' ability to critique, analyze, and innovate within the arts.

Students enrolled in the BFA have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including dedicated studios, workshops, and technical support, enabling them to explore various mediums and techniques. The program encourages personal artistic development through a combination of studio practice, coursework, and exhibition opportunities. Throughout the degree, students are encouraged to engage with local and international art scenes, participate in exhibitions, and develop professional networks.

Massey University’s BFA curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for a range of careers within the arts industry, such as professional artists, gallery curators, art educators, and arts administrators. The program also promotes critical thinking, innovative approaches, and ongoing reflection, preparing students for lifelong learning and adaptable careers in a dynamic cultural landscape.

In addition to studio work, students can take advantage of courses in art history, critical theory, and contemporary art practices, which deepen their understanding of the cultural and social contexts of art. The program also includes opportunities for collaborative projects and community engagement, fostering a holistic approach to art-making that is responsive to societal issues.

The duration of the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at Massey University is typically three years for full-time study, although part-time options may be available. Admission requirements usually include a portfolio submission demonstrating artistic potential and previous work. Graduates of the program have gone on to exhibit their work nationally and internationally, pursue postgraduate study, or establish careers within various creative industries. The BFA at Massey University is dedicated to nurturing innovative, skilled, and reflective artists who can contribute meaningfully to the arts community and society at large.