Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is an advanced, practice-led postgraduate programme for students seeking to establish or strengthen themselves as professional artists, designers, filmmakers or photographers.

Key benefits include:

• Develop an advanced body of creative work in a specialist Fine Arts discipline.
• Undertake practice-based research within a postgraduate studio environment.
• Develop and critically evaluate your artistic ideas and methods.
• Explore contemporary developments and trends in your chosen field.
• Build confidence in presenting and discussing your work publicly.
• Work independently while participating in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary studio environment.
• Gain exhibition experience and exposure to the professional art world.
• Access specialist Fine Arts studios, workshops, digital labs, darkrooms and film/video facilities.
• Engage with visiting international artists and an artist-in-residence programme.
• Develop work that can support future professional artistic practice or further research.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MFA is unusual compared with a conventional master's degree because the qualification can be completed through one 120-point specialist practice/research course rather than a collection of conventional 15- or 30-point courses.

Students choose one of five areas:

• DESI601 – Graphic Design
• MOVI601 – Moving Image
• PAIN601 – Painting MFA
• PHOT601 – Photography
• SCUL601 – Sculpture.

The programme involves:

• Advanced independent creative practice.
• Practice-led research.
• Development of a substantial body of creative work.
• Critical/contextual research.
• Documentation of the creative process.
• Supervision by Fine Arts staff.
• Cross-disciplinary studio interaction.
• Public presentation/exhibition of the final work.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MFA has five formal subject areas:

1. Graphic Design
2. Moving Image
3. Painting
4. Photography
5. Sculpture.

Programme Highlights

Important programme features include:

• Advanced practice-led research.
• One-year full-time structure.
• Two-year part-time option.
• Five Fine Arts practice areas.
• Individual studio practice.
• Cross-disciplinary creative environment.
• Professional exhibition opportunities.
• Public presentation of final work.
• Access to specialist studios and workshops.
• Digital labs, darkrooms and film/video facilities.
• On-site gallery.
• Visiting international artists.
• Artist-in-residence opportunities.
• Professional relationship with Christchurch Art Gallery.

Career Outcomes

UC positions the MFA for students who want to establish themselves as professional artists or creative practitioners.

Potential career directions include:

• Professional artist.
• Graphic designer.
• Moving-image/film practitioner.
• Painter.
• Photographer.
• Sculptor.
• Creative practitioner.
• Arts-sector professional.
• Exhibition and gallery-related work.
• Creative industries.
• Independent artistic practice.
• Arts research and education.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current UC MFA programme remains listed for 2027 study, with UC's current programme page and international prospectus continuing to show:

• February start.
• 120 points.
• One-year full-time duration.
• 2027 international special programme fee of NZD $45,800.

The 2026 course catalogue also shows all five MFA practice courses being offered:

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

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student accepted into the MFA, the relevant New Zealand visa is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that the visa:

• Costs from NZD $850.
• Can be issued for up to 4 years.
• Has a published processing timeframe of 80% within 8 weeks.
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Requires sufficient funds to pay tuition or an acceptable scholarship.
• Requires sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Requires acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Requires applicants to meet health and character requirements.
• Requires genuine intention to study.
• Requires evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.