Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts (PGDipFineArts) is an advanced, practice-based research qualification centred on studio practice.
• Students develop an individual body of creative work while critically examining technical practice, artistic influences, contemporary trends and the professional art industry.
• UC provides access to specialised Fine Arts facilities including an on-site gallery, darkrooms, digital laboratories, workshops and film suites.
• Students have their own studio space for developing and presenting their work.
• The programme is particularly suitable for students seeking to establish themselves as professional artists or to progress into further postgraduate study and research.
• UC's Fine Arts postgraduate environment combines creative practice with research and critical analysis rather than being solely a classroom-based programme.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The PGDipFineArts consists of one 120-point research course:

• FINA602 – Fine Arts Postgraduate Diploma Research – 120 points.

The programme is practice-led and combines:

• development of a substantial body of creative work
• studio practice
• research into the student's selected artistic discipline
• critical examination of artistic influences
• investigation of technical practice and contemporary trends
• research presentation
• written research component
• final presentation/submission of the completed body of work.

The 2025 FINA602 assessment information recorded:

• Completed body of work – 70%
• Research paper – 20%
• Research presentation – 10%.

Disciplines/Specialisations

Students undertake the research project through a chosen Fine Arts studio discipline.

UC currently identifies five areas:

• Moving Image
• Graphic Design
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture. 

Programme Highlights

• 120-point postgraduate qualification.
• One-year full-time study.
• Up to two years part-time with approval.
• February/Semester 1 intake.
• Strongly practice-led and research-based.
• Five studio disciplines: Moving Image, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography and Sculpture.
• Dedicated studio space.
• Access to workshops, darkrooms, digital labs and film/video facilities.
• On-site Ilam Campus Gallery.
• Opportunity to develop a substantial professional-quality body of work.
• Research, critical writing and presentation are integrated into the programme.
• Can provide preparation for UC's Master of Fine Arts.

Career Outcomes

The programme develops advanced creative practice, research, critical thinking, project development and presentation skills.

UC identifies possible career directions including:

• professional artist
• art curator
• art consultant
• designer
• art conservator
• teacher
• art critic
• gallery director
• creative-industry roles
• further research and tertiary-level practice.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current UC programme page continues to list the qualification as a 120-point PGDipFineArts with a February start.
• The 2027 course listing confirms FINA602 is approved for 2027, but individual start/end dates are to be confirmed.
• The programme requires a portfolio and proposal in addition to the standard online UC application.
• Admission is selective and requires approval by the Fine Arts academic leadership.
• The programme is campus/studio oriented rather than advertised as a fully online programme.
• UC's current course information identifies FINA602 as a whole-year, campus-based course.
• The 2026 course listing confirms FINA602 as a 120-point course.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study the PGDipFineArts on campus in New Zealand will normally need a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• an Offer of Place from an approved education provider
• evidence of sufficient funds for tuition or an acceptable scholarship
• evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor
• acceptable health/travel insurance
• meeting health and character requirements
• genuine intention to study
• evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.