The Bachelor of Visual Arts Te Tohu Paetahi mo Toi Ataata at AUT is a contemporary studio-based visual arts degree designed for students passionate about creative expression, artistic experimentation, and professional art practice.

The programme prepares students for careers in:

• Contemporary art
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Printmaking
• Moving-image
• Curatorial and creative industries

Key Reasons to Choose This Programme

•  Strong studio-based practical learning
• Creative freedom to explore different artistic disciplines
• Access to professional art and design facilities
• Collaborative w?nanga/studio learning environment
• Focus on contemporary art practice
• Integration of M?ori and Indigenous perspectives
• Industry-informed teaching staff
• Opportunities to exhibit work publicly
• Flexible degree structure with majors, minors, and electives
• Excellent pathways into postgraduate visual arts study

Useful School Subjects

AUT recommends subjects such as:

• Visual Arts
• Photography
• Design
• Media Studies
• History of Art
• English
• Digital Technologies
• Sculpture
• Printmaking
• Painting

Programme Structure

The degree combines:

• Core visual arts learning
• Major specialisation
• Flexible elective and minor study

Core Courses – 120 Points

All students complete foundational courses covering:

• Visual arts principles
• Creative processes
• Integrated visual arts practice
• Professional contexts
• Contemporary art concepts
• Collaborative studio practice

Majors / Specialisations Offered

Students choose one major specialisation.

Available Majors

Painting, Printmaking and Drawing

Focuses on:

• Traditional and experimental art-making
• Painting techniques
• Printmaking processes
• Contemporary drawing practices

Photography, Sculpture and Moving-image

Focuses on:

• Photography
• Sculpture
• Video art
• Moving-image practice
• Sound and digital media
• Installation work

Students in this major may experiment with:

• Studio lighting
• Film processing
• Digital scanning
• Darkroom techniques
• Video editing
• AI-supported creative technologies

Flexible Study Options

Students can customise their degree through:

• Two minors
• Elective courses
• A second major

Additional options can include subjects from:

• Design
• Creative technologies
• Photography
• Extended reality
• Motion capture
• Creative entrepreneurship

Subjects / Topics Covered

Depending on the chosen major, students may study:

• Contemporary visual arts
• Photography and moving-image
• Painting and drawing
• Sculpture and installation
• Printmaking
• Digital media arts
• Video production
• Sound and experimental media
• Professional arts practice
• Exhibition development
• Creative research
• Art theory and critique
• Maori and Indigenous perspectives in art

Studio & Exhibition Opportunities

Students benefit from:

• Public exhibitions
• Graduate showcases
• Collaborative studio environments
• Professional critique sessions
• Portfolio development
• Access to advanced creative facilities

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers such as:

Visual Arts Careers

• Contemporary Artist
• Painter
• Photographer
• Sculptor
• Printmaker
• Installation Artist
• Moving-image Artist

Creative Industry Careers

• Curator
• Gallery Assistant
• Arts Administrator
• Creative Producer
• Exhibition Coordinator
• Creative Technician

Media & Digital Arts Careers

• Video Artist
• Multimedia Creator
• Visual Storyteller
• Digital Content Producer

Further Study Opportunities

Graduates may continue into:

• Master of Visual Arts
• Curatorial and arts management study
• Creative technology and interdisciplinary postgraduate programmes

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

Flexible Degree Structure

Students who started in 2024 or later benefit from AUT’s updated flexible programme structure that allows:

• Additional electives
• Cross-disciplinary minors
• Double majors
• More personalised creative study pathways

Transfer & Recognition of Prior Learning

Students who have completed visual arts or design study at another recognised institution may apply for:

• Cross-credit recognition
• Entry into Year 2 or Year 3 (subject to assessment)

AUT assesses recognition of prior learning after an offer of place is issued.

Practical & Collaborative Learning

Recent student discussions describe AUT as:

•  Practical and assignment-focused
• Collaborative
• Studio-driven
• Supportive for creative learners

Programme Highlights

• Level 7 professional visual arts degree
• Studio-based practical learning
• Strong exhibition and portfolio development focus
• Flexible majors and minors
• Access to advanced creative facilities
• Contemporary and interdisciplinary art practice
• Maori and Indigenous creative perspectives
• Industry-connected and collaborative learning
• Pathway to postgraduate visual arts study
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand’s creative and cultural hub