Otago Polytechnic is a public tertiary education provider in Dunedin, New Zealand, offering career-focused and practical qualifications across creative, business, technology and applied fields. Its Dunedin School of Art is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most respected art schools, with a strong community and well-equipped facilities that support in-depth studio and research-based visual arts education.

 

Why Study the Master of Visual Arts

The Master of Visual Arts (MVA) is a Level 9 postgraduate qualification designed for artists who want to:

• Extend and deepen their creative and conceptual practice
• Undertake advanced studio research and production
• Produce a self-directed exhibition accompanied by extended critical writing
• Gain transferable skills valued in curation, arts management, education and creative industries

 

Subjects & Programme Structure

The MVA is project- and research-based. You’ll work under individual supervision on a body of creative work, a public exhibition, and extended written analysis.

Core Structure

Semester One

• Studio Practice 2A (45 credits)

• Art Theory Part 1 (12 credits)

Semester Two

• Studio Practice 2B (45 credits)

• Art Theory Part 2 (15 credits)

Total: 120 credits

What You Do

• Produce a critically engaged, independently developed exhibition of creative work

• Write a extended 7,500-word essay contextualising the work within contemporary art practice

 

Disciplines & Specialisations

MVA students can work in any of the Dunedin School of Art’s core practice areas, such as:

• Ceramics

• Electronic Arts

• Jewellery & Metalsmithing

• Painting

• Photography

• Printmaking

• Sculpture

• Textiles

 

Highlights & Special Features

• Advanced studio focus: Develop a mature and professional creative practice through supervised research and production.
• Integration of theory and practice: Includes extended critical writing linked to your exhibition work.
• Individual supervision: Personalized guidance from experienced visual art academics.
• Public presentation: Your final creative work is presented in a public context as part of the qualification.
• Low residency option: Flexible study path for students outside Dunedin (details negotiated with programme coordinator).

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates from the Master of Visual Arts are prepared for a wide range of creative and professional pathways, such as:

• Professional visual artist
• Curator or gallery professional
• Arts researcher or academic
• Designer or creative manager
• Arts educator, consultant, cultural industry roles

 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students enrolling in a full-time postgraduate programme in New Zealand must apply for a student visa before travel. Requirements generally include:

• Valid Offer of Place from Otago Polytechnic
• Proof of enough funds to cover tuition and living costs
• Medical/health insurance
• English proficiency evidence (if required)
• Passport valid for the duration of study