Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Visual Arts

Develop your creative practice and research skills in contemporary art in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment with the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at Elam, University of Auckland.

NZ$13,585

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

(120 Credits)


In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

City, Auckland

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Advance independent creative practice

Develop a significant body of studio or creative work through intensive, research-led practice.

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Develop advanced research skills

Critically engage in academic research methodologies relevant to contemporary art and produce a scholarly research essay.

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Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration

Contribute and respond to contemporary issues within a vibrant, interdisciplinary artistic community.

What You're Signing Up For

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) offers graduates or experienced practitioners in fine arts the opportunity to develop and advance their independent, research-informed practice. Delivered in an interdisciplinary environment, the program enables students to pursue a pathway of self-directed creative practice supported by studio, theory, and workshop courses, culminating in a substantial research project and essay. This master's is suited for those seeking to progress to doctoral study or professional art practice.

Course Content

  • Studio-based creative practice
  • Research Methodologies for Fine Arts
  • Discipline-specific theory and workshops
  • Development of a research portfolio
  • Substantial research project
  • Studio research essay
  • Supervised independent study

What you need to know first

An undergraduate degree in Fine Arts; or

A university degree in another discipline and demonstrable professional art practice via portfolio

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Arts

  • Culture and Heritage

  • Creative Industries

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Academia

  • Art writer or critic

  • Art curator

  • Artist

  • Creative director in an agency

  • Designer

  • Educator

  • Researcher