Why Study/Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Design (Visual Art) at Ara is intended for students who want to develop an independent creative practice and build professional skills across contemporary visual art. The programme combines practical studio work, critical thinking, experimentation and an understanding of the cultural and professional contexts in which artists work.

Key benefits include:

• Develop an individual artistic voice through practical studio-based learning.

• Experiment with a range of materials, media and creative processes.

• Build skills in researching, developing and presenting original artwork.

• Explore contemporary art practices and the historical, cultural and theoretical contexts of visual art.

• Develop professional presentation, communication and portfolio skills.

• Prepare for further creative study or work in the wider arts and cultural sector.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The current programme webpage lists the following subjects by qualification level. Most listed courses carry 15 credits, while the Major Project carries 30 credits.

Year 1 – Level 5

• Design Principles (BDAR501) – 15 credits

• Drawing (BDAR502) – 15 credits

• Print (BDAR503) – 15 credits

• Object in Space (BDAR504) – 15 credits

• Digital Design Skills (BDCC501) – 15 credits

• Aotearoa Creative Contexts (BDCC502) – 15 credits

• Modernity and Postmodernity (BDCC503) – 15 credits

Year 2 – Level 6

• The Body (BDAR601) – 15 credits

• Photography (BDAR602) – 15 credits

• Print Studio (BDAR603) – 15 credits

• Expansion (BDAR604) – 15 credits

• Critical Contexts (BDCC601) – 15 credits

• Practice as Research (BDCC602) – 15 credits

• Professional Studies (BDCC603) – 15 credits

Year 3 – Level 7

• Studio (BDAR701) – 15 credits

• Hybridity (BDAR702) – 15 credits

• Work Integrated Learning (BDCC701) – 15 credits

• Portfolio (BDCC702) – 15 credits

• Major Project (BDCC703) – 30 credits

Important programme-structure clarification:

The current programme webpage's displayed subject list adds up to 300 credits, although the qualification is advertised as 360 credits. The page labels its course sections as core and elective courses, but does not show the remaining 60 credits or a complete elective list.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The programme is the Visual Art specialisation within Ara's Bachelor of Design.

Its principal creative disciplines include:

• Drawing across analogue and digital media.

• Printmaking and reproductive image-making.

• Analogue and digital photography.

• Three-dimensional materials, object-making and spatial practice.

• Visual composition and design principles.

• Hybrid and mixed-media art.

• Practice-based research.

• Contemporary visual art and cultural contexts.

• Professional art practice and portfolio presentation.

Programme Highlights

• Three-year, full-time Level 7 bachelor's degree.

• 360-credit qualification.

• Broad practical exposure to drawing, printmaking, photography and three-dimensional creative practice.

• Opportunities to experiment with different materials, media and techniques before developing a more individual artistic direction.

• Industry or community-based project work.

• A dedicated Work Integrated Learning course listed at Level 7.

• Portfolio development and presentation.

• A substantial self-directed Major Project.

• Creative practice informed by Te Tiriti and te ao M?ori perspectives.

• Opportunity to select electives from other design specialisations, subject to programme approval.

Career Outcomes

Ara lists the following direct career opportunities:

• Visual artist.

• Freelance artist.

• Self-employed creative practitioner.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current programme page lists the February 2027 intake, starting 15 February 2027.

• The page also lists a February 2028 start date of 14 February 2028.

• Ara's Visual Arts portfolio guidance is dated September 2025 and specifies 10–12 original creative-work images or workbook pages. It explicitly prohibits AI-generated imagery in the submitted portfolio.

• Applicants must submit the portfolio, the Admission and Enrolment form, verified identity documents and the additional Bachelor of Design requirements form.

• Selection is based on the portfolio, including working process, technique, composition, media and aesthetic qualities.

• Ara recommends applying early because the intake quota may fill.

• The 2026 programme handbook says international learners are expected to maintain 100% attendance and successfully complete at least 75% of their courses to meet Ara's satisfactory-progress standard.

• Students are expected to attend classes punctually and comply with studio, workshop and classroom safety requirements.

• International students are invited to attend both international student orientation and programme orientation.

• Ara's handbook states that students must not present AI-generated work as their own in assessments.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students planning to study this full-time, three-year degree in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand. Ara's programme page indicates that the qualification may be available for a student visa, but Immigration New Zealand makes the final visa decision.

Applicants generally need:

• An offer of place from Ara, an approved education provider.

• Evidence that they can pay the required tuition fees, or evidence of an acceptable scholarship.

• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.

• Evidence of acceptable medical and travel insurance for their stay.

• Evidence of good health and character, where required.

• A genuine intention to study.

• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.

• Any additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand.

Living-cost financial requirement

• For tertiary study lasting one year or longer, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of NZD $20,000 for each year of study.

• For study lasting less than one year, the requirement is NZD $1,667 per month.

• For this three-year degree, students should plan to show the required living funds for the first year and a credible plan for financing subsequent years.

• Evidence may include bank statements, acceptable sponsorship or a guarantor, an education loan, or a scholarship.

• Prepaid accommodation may be deducted from the required living-funds amount where Immigration New Zealand's rules permit it.

Visa cost and processing

• Fee Paying Student Visa application cost: from NZD $850.

• Processing time: Immigration New Zealand states that 80% of applications are processed within seven weeks.

• Maximum possible visa length: up to four years, although the actual visa period depends on the study paid for, passport validity and individual circumstances.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before the intended travel date.

Work rights

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work may be allowed during scheduled holidays, depending on the student's course and individual visa conditions.

• Work rights are not automatic. Students must check the conditions printed on their eVisa or visa approval letter before accepting employment.

Attendance, academic progress and insurance

• Students must attend the programme specified on their visa and make satisfactory academic progress.

• Ara's 2026 Bachelor of Design handbook defines satisfactory progress for international learners as 100% attendance and successful completion of at least 75% of courses.

• Students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance from the start of their course until their visa expires.