Why Study / Key Benefits

• UC's Bachelor of Fine Arts provides broad introductory knowledge in visual arts, multimedia and design before students specialise in one of five studio disciplines.
• The degree is strongly practice-based, helping students develop both their artistic practice and their identity as an artist.
• The first year exposes students to all five studio specialisations before they move into a specialist area from second year.
• Students have access to purpose-built studios, technician workshops, workrooms, darkrooms, computer laboratories and the Ilam Campus Gallery.
• From second year, students receive 24-hour access to their own personal studio space.
• The programme combines practical studio work with Art History and Theory, helping students understand their creative practice through historical, critical, theoretical and philosophical perspectives.
• Students can supplement their Fine Arts study with courses from other UC degrees, including Arts subjects such as languages and business.
• UC describes its Fine Arts programme as offering a boutique-style education with a high teacher/student ratio and teaching staff who are practising artists or designers

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The first year is the Fine Arts Intermediate Year. It introduces students to the different studio areas before they select their specialist discipline.

Compulsory first-year courses include:

• FINA101 What is Practice?
• FINA102 Communities of Practice
• FINA103 Studio Practice
• Two 100-level Art History and Theory courses.

Students are introduced to all five studio specialisations through first-year workshops. To progress to specialist studio courses, students need to pass FINA103.

After the Intermediate Year:

• Students apply for specialist studio courses.
• Their Intermediate Year grades and experience influence their studio choice.
• Most students are able to gain a place in one of their top two studio options.

The specialist years combine:

• Studio practice
• Artistic techniques and processes
• Art History and Theory
• Critical analysis
• Contemporary art practice
• Independent projects
• Arts-related elective study.

Disciplines / Specialisations

UC currently offers five BFA studio specialisations:

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

Programme Highlights

• 480-point specialist bachelor's degree.
• Four years of full-time study.
• Five studio specialisations.
• First-year Fine Arts Intermediate programme gives exposure to all five areas.
• Limited entry into the Intermediate Year.
• Portfolio-based application.
• Personal studio space with 24-hour access from second year.
• Purpose-built Fine Arts studios and specialist workshops.
• Darkrooms and computer laboratories.
• Ilam Campus Gallery.
• Strong integration of practical studio work and Art History and Theory.
• Opportunities to exhibit work and participate in community projects.
• Flexible electives from Arts and other UC degrees.
• Possibility of progressing to BFA with Honours, Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts or Master of Fine Arts.

Career Outcomes

The BFA develops practical creative abilities alongside transferable skills such as:

• Critical analysis
• Creative problem-solving
• Communication
• Organisation and time management
• Collaboration
• Project development
• Artistic and technical skills.

Potential career pathways include:

• Professional artist
• Graphic designer
• Product designer
• Art historian
• Advertising consultant
• Art conservator
• Art consultant
• Art gallery management
• Photojournalism
• Creative-industry roles
• Arts administration
• Curation and exhibition-related work.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important consideration for applicants is that BFA admission is not simply a standard UC undergraduate application.

Applicants must complete the separate Fine Arts application process and submit their portfolio, letter of introduction and written statement by 15 November.

Additional important requirements:

• First-year entry is limited.
• A portfolio containing 12 image-based examples is required.
• The portfolio should show both finished work and evidence of methodology, including preliminary sketches where appropriate.
• A written statement explaining the student's ideas and creative decisions is required.
• UC prefers applicants with secondary-school Arts study but will consider applicants with a strong portfolio even without that background.
• Students must pass FINA103 to proceed to specialist studio courses.
• Studio placement after the Intermediate Year is influenced by first-year experience and grades. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally use the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for full-time BFA study.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Visa cost from NZ$850.
• Maximum stay of up to 4 years.
• 80% of applications are currently processed within 8.5 weeks.
• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient money to pay tuition fees, or an eligible scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character.
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.

Living-funds requirement:

• NZ$20,000 for each year for tertiary study lasting one year or longer.
• NZ$1,667 per month if the study period is shorter than one year.