Passionate about art? The Bachelor of Visual Arts prepares you for the creative and professional demands of a career in contemporary art. Many of our graduates are now involved in significant creative art events, both in New Zealand and around the world. Throughout your studies you have your own studio space, where you can work with a range of media such as  painting, print, photography, sculpture, moving image, sound and performance, often incorporating other media and new technologies. As well as collaborating with other visual artists, you could also work with musicians, composers, filmmakers, animators, choreographers, directors, actors, set designers and writers across AUT. Your learning experience includes one-on-one tutorials, critiques, seminars, visits from artists and critics, workshops, noho marae and field trips to galleries. You learn to think critically about contemporary art practices and challenge established ideas. 

• A mix of practical skills and the theory of art, which focuses on contemporary art practices and the ideas that inform them
• At the end of your final year, you will have the opportunity to showcase your work to the media and industry through the AUT School of Art + Design festival

Career opportunities

• Artist
• Arts administrator, manager or director
• Art consultant
• Art critic, historian, commentator or writer
• Art gallery manager or owner
• Curator
• Educator

Pathways

• Paint/Print
• Photography
• Sculpture

Minors

• 3D Visualisation
• Cinematic Arts
• Contemporary Pacific
• Creative Entrepreneurship
• Creative Sound Design
• Design for Sustainability
• Design Thinking
• Digital Fabrication
• Experimental Textile Design
• Game and Play Design
• Motion Capture
• Performance and Media Arts
• Photographic Practice
• Temporary Practices/Temporary Publics
• Urban Practices
• Visualising Information

Enrolment in minors is subject to availability (not all minors listed above will be open for enrolment in a given year). You also have the option of studying a minor or elective papers from outside the Bachelor of Visual Arts degree.

Entry requirements

• University Entrance
• Portfolio of art work
• An interview may be required
• Applicants for whom English or Māori is not their first language must provide proof of their English proficiency. IELTS (academic), completed within the last two years is the preferred test for entry. Minimum IELTS (academic) requirements are as follows: 6.5 overall with all bands 6 or higher.

You may be eligible to enter year 2 or year 3 of the degree if you have completed all or part of a design or visual arts degree at another approved tertiary institution. Applications for cross credits will normally be assessed after you receive an offer of place to the Bachelor of Design or the Bachelor of Visual Arts. 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Study abroad fees at AUT University: what you'll pay

2016 fees per semester in NZ dollars

• Tuition fee for Study Abroad: NZ$12,500 per semester
• Enrolment fee: NZ$150
• Learner services levy: NZ$320.08 per 60 points
• Placement fee (internship option only): NZ$800
• AUT Insurance Premium: NZ$294.50 per semester

Other compulsory fees (in addition to tuition fees)

• 2016 Compulsory Student Services Fee - $573.30 for 120 points or $4.77 per academic point (GST incl)
• 2016 Building Levy- $66.85 for 120 points or $0.56 per academic point (GST incl)