Programme Summary
The Certificate of Arts and Design (Preparatory) runs parallel to the
Certificate of Arts and Design. This qualification provides the support and
tuition required to staircase students with English as a second language and
other students having difficulty with English, into the second year of the
Bachelor of Fine Arts Programme. The only variation from the Certificate of
Arts and Design programme is that students have one less elective and one less
contextual paper which are replaced with an English and Academics paper.
Programme Outcomes
A preparatory pathway is available for students who have talent in the arts
but have difficulty with English as an academic language. Students who
successfully complete the Certificate of Arts and Design (Preparatory) may then
enter into the Diploma of Arts and Design, which is the second year of the
Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Admission Requirements
Whitecliffe's admission criteria is designed so students who demonstrate
creative ability and a commitment to study can explore their potential as
artists and designers. Portfolio reviews, interviews and references are an
essential part of the application process. Maturity and life experience are
considered an asset and therefore mature students are encouraged to apply.
Applicants can enter any level of the degree programme if they meet the
prerequisites. Transcripts of prior study will be required. Programmes are
designed to serve a range of students from all age groups and social and
cultural backgrounds providing a solid fundamental grounding in the principles
of art and design. Careful consideration is given to background influences and
experiences that applicants can bring to their studies.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must be at least 17 years of age during the year of commencement.
International students must be at least 18 years of age during the year of
commencement and hold an IELTS of 5.0
NCEA University Entrance or equivalent CIE/IB award (preferably including
practical art and/or design and English). Discretionary Entrance is available
to students who have gained exceptional marks in NCEA Level 2/Year 12 and wish
to embark on higher level study. These students must display a high level of
motivation and maturity. Students who do not meet these requirements are
advised to undertake the Foundation Certificate in preparation for application
to the BFA programme.
Students who have successfully completed the 6-month or 12-month Certificate
of Arts and Design (Foundation) programmes will be considered for entry into
the first year of the BFA.
For students 20 years or older, the above qualification requirements may be
waived by the Admissions Board if the applicant demonstrates suitable
equivalent experience. Portfolio required.
BFA Application process
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree applicants must:
- Complete the Whitecliffe Application Form (including statistical
information), checking all sections and signing the declaration.
- Attach relevant academic records, resumes or references, passport size
photo and documentary proof of residency, age and citizenship.
- Forward the application, with application fee payment, as soon as possible
(although late applications may be accepted if there are places available).
Upon receipt of an application form and application fee payment, Whitecliffe
will schedule an interview.
- Bring your portfolio to your scheduled interview at the Whitecliffe.
Admissions Board Selection meetings occur regularly, so applicants should
receive notification within three weeks. After interviews, applicants will be
contacted regarding the decision of the Admissions Board.
The preferential application deadline for all years of the BFA is 31
October. Applications received after this date will be considered for entry
subject to places being available.
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BFA Portfolio
Creative potential is a very important entry criteria for the Bachelor of
Fine Arts programme which is why all applicants must submit a portfolio,
whether they've had formal training in art and design or not. A good portfolio
should contain a variety of work that can be in the form of sketches, drawings,
painting, mixed media, photography and sculpture. Workbooks and journals are
helpful to show students' methodology and thinking. Whitecliffe does not set a
rigid format for presentation or a set number of works, but students can expect
to provide up to at least 15 pieces of work. Submitted work may be completed
independently, in secondary schools or other tertiary institutions, in the
workplace, or as part of our Foundation Certificate programme which is
structured to assist students in developing portfolios. The work doesn't need
to be mounted on 'high school' boards. Whitecliffe's main objective is to see
each applicant's creative abilities.
International Students
English Language Entry Requirements
Whitecliffe expects all students to be proficient in English to an academic
level. All applicants whose first language is not English will be required to
provide satisfactory evidence of their proficiency in English in the form of a
recent IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of
English as a Foreign Language) score from an accredited organisation/
institution. Both IELTS and TOEFL are standard. For a list of testing stations
near you, visit www.ielts.org.nz, or
contact the Admissions Office.
The Certificate of Arts and Design (Preparatory) requires the equivalent of
a minimum IELTS score of 5.0, and the Certificate of Art and Design requires
the equivalent of a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. At postgraduate level a minimum
IELTS score of 7.5 is required for entry.
English Language Support
For undergraduate students whose first language is not English and their
IELTS score is between 5.0 and 6.5, are required to enrol in the year one BFA
English and Academics course (12 credits) that teaches the use of academic
English and introduces the language of arts and design. Writing for Academic
Purposes and Advanced Writing for Academics Purposes are electives that are
offered for any student in year one that requires additional academic writing
support. English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is required for students in years
two to four who are identified as requiring ongoing one-to-one academic writing
support. Whitecliffe, however, does not take responsibility for anyone who
fails a course as a result of their lack of competence in English.
Portfolio Requirements
Prospective students applying from their home country may send a portfolio
via courier post along with an application form, IELTS results and school
records. It may be easier and faster to send a portfolio via email. Simply send
it as an attachment in digital image format to the admissions office.
Applicants already in New Zealand, will be invited to present and discuss their
portfolio in a personal interview with a faculty member. For further
information about the interview process refer to Admission Requirements or
email info@whitecliffe.ac.nz
Interview Options
Most applicants are invited to an interview that generally takes place in
New Zealand. However, sometimes exceptions are made and a decision can be made
based on submission of an acceptable folio of artwork and the necessary
academic transcripts and evidence of language proficiency (IELTS).
Study Requirements
International students must attend a minimum of 80% of their classes in
accordance with their visa requirements. Students are expected to spend 20 to
25 hours contact time (in class) per week plus another 15 hours per week
studying and doing assignments.
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