Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Matauranga Toi Maori major allows students to ground their Fine Arts practice in matauranga Maori and develop the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to contribute to contemporary creative arts from a Maori perspective.
• Massey describes the major as a first for Aotearoa tertiary education, engaging te ao Maori within Fine Arts disciplines.
• Students learn alongside Maori and Indigenous konga and can develop a creative identity connected to Te Ao Maori, tikanga, cultural knowledge and contemporary artistic practice.
• The programme combines practical studio learning with critical studies, cultural knowledge, creative exploration and professional development.
• Fine Arts students spend approximately two-thirds of their time in studio-based learning, developing their own creative practice across a range of media.
• Students can explore sculpture, painting, drawing, performance, installation, moving image, photography, printmaking, site-responsive work, curatorial activities and art writing.
• The Matauranga Toi Maori pathway adds Maori creative knowledge, histories, practices and perspectives to this contemporary Fine Arts environment.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The BFA combines a common creative-arts core with the M?tauranga Toi M?ori specialisation, studio practice and electives.

Part One includes critical studies such as:

• 133154 Music, People, Places
• 197139 Introduction to Design localities in Aotearoa
• 237131 Art, Culture and Contexts
• 289100 Screen Arts, Creativity and Critical Thinking
• 298100 He Ara Tuku Iho: Taonga.

Students also encounter introductory professional and creative-practice courses, including:

• 298160 Matauranga Toi Maori 1: Maori Practices as a Maori Creative Practitioner
• 298157 Toi tea 1
• Fine Arts Studio 1.1: Art Lab
• Fine Arts Studio 1.2: Media and Processes.

Matauranga Toi Maori 1 introduces customary practices and values within Te Ao Maori and considers their relevance to contemporary Maori creative practice.

Creative exploration options can include:

• Explorations in Visualisation
• Explorations in Materials and Making
• Explorations in Generative Media Technologies
• Explorations in Modelling
• Explorations in Digital Asset Creation
• Explorations in Drawing
• Explorations in Narrative
• Explorations in Image and Meaning
• Explorations in Colour and Context
• Explorations in Toi Auaha – Paint and Creative Expression
• Explorations in Te Aho P?oro M?ori.

Part Two develops the student's Maori creative and Fine Arts practice. Courses include:

• 298200 He Ara Tuku Iho: Rangatiratanga
• 298260 Matauranga Toi M?ori 2: M?ori Creative Practices and Cultural Continuity
• 298263 Toi tea 2
• 213241 Fine Arts Studio 2.3: Practice
• 213243 Fine Arts Studio 2.1: Project
• 213244 Fine Arts Studio 2.2: Exhibition.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Bachelor of Fine Arts can be completed:

• with the Matauranga Toi Maori specialisation; or
• without specialisation.

Programme Highlights

• 360-credit undergraduate degree.
• NZQF level 7.
• Three years full-time.
• Wellington campus.
• Open to international students studying on campus in New Zealand.
• M?tauranga Toi Maori is integrated into Fine Arts rather than being treated as a separate purely theoretical Maori studies qualification.
• Mixed learning includes wananga, noho marae, studio classes and online learning.
• Te Rau Karamu Marae forms part of the learning environment.
• Approximately two-thirds of the general BFA study time is studio-based.
• Students can work across traditional and contemporary media.
• The final year includes advanced Maori creative studies, professional cultures, a capstone and substantial Fine Arts studio practice.
• The programme provides a pathway into contemporary creative practice while maintaining a strong connection to te ao Maori.

Career Outcomes

The BFA develops creative practice together with critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration and technical skills.

Potential career directions include:

• Professional artist
• Maori creative practitioner
• Contemporary artist
• Arts administrator
• Art educator
• Curatorial work
• Exhibition and gallery-related roles
• Creative-industry roles
• Community and cultural creative practice
• Creative project development
• Independent creative practice and entrepreneurship.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The BFA is currently open entry; there is no portfolio requirement as an admission condition.
• Massey introduced Creative Reviews for Fine Arts, Design and other creative programmes as an optional activity rather than a mandatory portfolio-based selection process.
• The Matauranga Toi Maori subjects use mixed delivery including wananga, noho marae, studio classes and online delivery.
• Some individual courses have prerequisites, so students need to plan their courses in sequence.
• Some courses are restricted against similar courses, meaning students cannot receive credit for both where the regulations restrict duplication.
• The BFA regulations allow a minor from another recognised undergraduate subject, subject to the programme's credit requirements.
• International students should be aware that the programme involves culturally specific learning in Te Ao Maori, including wananga and noho marae.
• Any specific Maori-language proficiency requirement for the BFA/Matauranga Toi Maori specialisation: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

International Student Visa Requirements

Because this is an on-campus programme in Wellington, an international student who intends to relocate to New Zealand to study will generally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that the Fee Paying Student Visa:

• Costs from NZD 850.
• Can allow a stay of up to four years, depending on the circumstances and period of study.
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Requires evidence of sufficient tuition funding or an appropriate scholarship.
• Requires evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Requires acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Requires applicants to satisfy applicable health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
• Is applied for online.
• Should generally be applied for at least three months before intended travel.