Master of Fine Arts

The Master of Fine Arts programme is built around a comprehensive programme of supervised studio research and contextual studies requiring self-directed learning and continuing professional development. The principal aim is for students to extend their established creative capacity, develop critical skills, and foster a mature understanding of the relationships between their work and contemporary culture. The intensive format of the seminars is structured around themed discussions, guest artist presentations, exhibition visits, and studio critique.

Intensive, week-long seminars are held four times annually at the Symonds Street, Auckland campus. By completion of the MFA students will present:

• An oral presentation in the final semester outlining their studio and contextual research direction
• A blog site showcasing analysis of influential modes of practice and critical debate
• A printed catalogue containing critical essays and photographic evidence of key projects
• A final public exhibition of works contributing to their chosen field of practice

Final Exhibition

The final Master of Fine Arts exhibition, attended by artists, art dealers, critics, curators, and other arts professionals, is the most significant event in the programme - the point at which an international or national artist or critic helps the internal panel assess each student's research on its sophistication, critical awareness, and professionalism. It is the springboard for our new graduates to move on from the educational sphere to life as professional artists.

Many of our graduates have gone on to be successful exhibiting artists, both in New Zealand and overseas. However, a Fine Arts degree also prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, giving them essential skills for the modern job market: the ability to think creatively and flexibly; to work independently or collaboratively; to respond constructively to criticism, and to participate in intelligent debate. Our emphasis on business skills - such as budgeting, marketing, career management, and public relations - also prepares graduates for self-employment or to engage in a range of creative industries.

NZ Government key information link for students, that provides more information to support your decision making for this programme

Domestic Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form
• Official transcripts of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and/or other academic qualifications
• Portfolio: A typical portfolio comprises 10-15 digital images of key works or projects and one or two examples of contextual research in written form (digital format only required for application)
• A current curriculum vitae
• Three referee contact details
• A statement of intent outlining the direction/emphasis of the work you wish to develop as part of the MFA programme

International Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form
• Passport copy
• Minimum Age: Students must turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
• IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent
• Official transcripts of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and/or other academic qualifications
• Portfolio: A typical portfolio comprises 10-15 digital images of key works or projects and one or two examples of contextual research in written form (digital format only require for application)
• A current curriculum vitae
• Three referee contact details
• A statement of intent outlining the direction/emphasis of the work you wish to develop as part of the MFA programme

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Requirements:

Recently we have found ourselves working remotely due to COVID-19, we recommend that you have your own device to support your studies. The following specifications are intended to help you make the best choice of laptop, desktop or tablet for the job.

Recommended IT Specifications:

Minimum Hardware requirements 

• Mac - Intel processor with 64-bit support; 2 GHz or faster processor with SSE 4.2 or later
  OR 
• MacBook Air with M1 Chip 
  OR 
• Intel® or AMD processor with 64-bit support; 2 GHz or faster processor with SSE 4.2 or later 
• 16 GB RAM    
• 500 GB SSD or higher hard drive with 10GB free space minimum    
• Wireless capability 802.11n dual-band    
• Up-to-date antivirus software    

Minimum Operating System     

• Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1809 or later; LTSC versions are not supported
  OR     
• Apple macOS Mojave (version 10.14) or later 

• Internet and data plan.    

Not Supported:    

• Chromebooks    
• Windows X or Windows S OS    
• Tablets (except Windows Surface Pro or iPad Pro)   
  
• Macbook Pro (preferred)
  AND dedicated GPU (Graphics card)
• May use Apple iPad Pro for drawing.