The Master of Visual Arts at AUT is an interdisciplinary postgraduate research degree designed for creative professionals, visual artists, and graduates from a variety of creative backgrounds.

The programme allows students to:

• Develop advanced visual arts practice
• Undertake practice-led or theoretical research
• Build a professional creative portfolio
• Explore contemporary visual arts issues
• Work in collaborative studio environments
• Contribute to emerging conversations in creative practice

Key Reasons to Choose This Programme

• Flexible interdisciplinary visual arts research degree
• Strong studio-based and practice-led learning
• Access to specialist art and design facilities
• Individual studio spaces and supervision support
• Opportunities for exhibitions and creative showcases
• Collaborative studio culture with peer critique and discussions
• Focus on contemporary art practice and creative inquiry
• Integration of M?ori and Indigenous perspectives
• Pathway to doctoral and advanced creative research

Students and creative communities often describe AUT’s postgraduate arts environment as:

• Practical and research-active
• Collaborative
• Experimentation-focused
• Supportive for independent creative development

Programme Structure

The Master of Visual Arts combines:

• Research methodology
• Creative inquiry
• Advanced studio practice
• Elective courses
• Thesis research

Core Structure

Semester 1

• ARDN800 Te Ao Mahora Creative Practice Research Design
• ARDN808 Contextual Review
• Two elective courses

Semester 2 and Beyond

• VSAR999 Thesis (120 points)

Students complete either:

• Practice-based thesis
  OR
• Theoretical research thesis

Enrolment in the thesis requires:

• Minimum B- average in coursework
• Approval of research proposal

Specialist Research Areas / Disciplines

Students can specialise in diverse contemporary visual arts practices, including:

• Craft Practices
• Drawing
• Installation
• Interactive Technologies
• Lens-based Practice
• Moving Image
• Painting
• Participatory Practices
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Performance
• Social Art Practices
• Sound Art
• Sculpture
• Temporal Practices
• Video Art

Subjects / Topics Covered

Depending on research focus, students may explore:

• Contemporary visual arts theory
• Practice-led research
• Exhibition development
• Creative methodologies
• Critical visual culture
• Interactive media
• Installation and spatial practices
• Experimental photography and moving-image
• Socially engaged art
• M?ori and Indigenous creative frameworks
• Sound and performance practices
• Visual storytelling and conceptual development

Research & Creative Opportunities

Students benefit from:

• Independent studio spaces
• One-on-one academic supervision
• Public exhibitions and showcases
• Research publication opportunities
• Collaborative critique sessions
• Access to AUT’s Centre for Design Research
• Creative networking opportunities

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers such as:

Visual Arts Careers

• Contemporary Artist
• Photographer
• Sculptor
• Installation Artist
• Moving-image Artist
• Multimedia Artist
• Sound Artist
• Printmaker

Creative Industry Careers

• Curator
• Gallery Professional
• Arts Administrator
• Creative Producer
• Exhibition Coordinator
• Visual Arts Researcher

Academic & Research Careers

• Creative Research Practitioner
• Lecturer or Tutor
• Doctoral Research Candidate

Graduates may work across:

• Galleries and museums
• Creative studios
• Cultural organisations
• Community arts projects
• Digital media industries
• Higher education and research

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require:

• Valid New Zealand student visa
• Offer of Place from AUT
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Valid passport
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency proof

Latest Updates / Important Notes

Practice-Based Research Focus

The programme strongly emphasises:

• Independent creative research
• Experimental artistic practice
• Contemporary visual arts discourse
• Practice-led thesis development

Students work within supportive studio communities that encourage critique, experimentation, and collaborative discussion.

Flexible Interdisciplinary Study

AUT’s Master of Visual Arts is designed to support students from multiple creative backgrounds, not only traditional visual arts pathways. This flexibility allows interdisciplinary and emerging creative practices to develop within the programme.

Exhibition & Portfolio Development

Students regularly participate in:

• Graduate exhibitions
• Public showcases
• Research presentations
• Portfolio and publication development

Programme Highlights

• Level 9 postgraduate visual arts qualification
• Flexible interdisciplinary creative research degree
• Studio-based and practice-led learning
• Individual studio spaces and supervision
• Strong exhibition and portfolio development opportunities
• Specialist visual arts facilities
• Contemporary and experimental creative practice
• Maori and Indigenous creative perspectives
• Pathway to doctoral and advanced research study
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand’s creative and cultural hub