Bachelor of Visual Arts
Visual Arts
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Translate your creativity into an art career. This three-year degree develops technical, critical, and personal skills across a range of studio disciplines including ceramics, jewellery, print, photography, painting, sculpture, and textiles.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 3 years
Core skills this course teaches
Develop technical and conceptual skills in visual arts
Build expertise in a chosen studio discipline through in-depth practical and theoretical study, experimentation, and engagement with critical debates.
Produce and present a sustained body of creative work
Plan, create, and exhibit a comprehensive project demonstrating independent art practice and critical understanding.
Understand historical and contemporary art contexts
Analyse and discuss art history and contemporary art practices in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.
What You're Signing Up For
Otago Polytechnic's Bachelor of Visual Arts prepares students for careers in the creative industries. Students start with foundational study across key art disciplines and art history, developing skills in their chosen medium and understanding art's wider context. Specialist studio options include ceramics, jewellery and metalsmithing, printmaking, photography, painting, sculpture, and textiles. The programme encourages creative experimentation, critical thinking, technical prowess, and the development of a personal body of work presented in a public exhibition. Graduates gain skills transferable across education, design, management, and marketing, with opportunities for further postgraduate study.
Course Content
- Studio Methodologies
- Art History and Theory
- Introduction to Studio Practices
- Studio Practice (all years)
- Studio Research
- Professional Methodologies
- Specialist Disciplines: Ceramics, Jewellery and Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles
- Portfolio development and presentation
- Health and Safety in art studios
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 3 with 14 credits in each of three NZQA approved subjects
10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above and 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above
Five years secondary school with successful art units and portfolio OR equivalent qualifications/experience
Portfolio submission required
Mature applicants with relevant experience encouraged to apply
International students: Equivalent qualification to NCEA Level 3; evidence of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 overall, no band lower than 5.5 or equivalent)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Creative Arts
Visual Arts
Design
Education
Future employment opportunities might be
Practising artist
Curator
Art educator
Researcher
Digital and film industry roles
Professions in education, design, management, and marketing
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.