Bachelor of Contemporary Art

Visual Arts

A course by

Wintec

A three-year degree for aspiring artists and creatives, covering painting, photography, sculpture, installation, curation, and illustration. Students develop their art practice with support from industry professionals and gain real-world project and internship experience.

NZ$7,780

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)

Study Level

Advanced

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In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Hamilton City Campus, Hamilton

It will take a total of 3 years

This course requires 40 hours per week

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Develop and apply advanced art practice

Demonstrate specialist technical and creative skills across diverse visual art forms, developing an original body of work.

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Critical analysis and engagement

Apply critical methods to analyse, interpret, and contextualise artworks within contemporary cultural frameworks.

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Industry and professional readiness

Engage in professional practices, collaborative projects, client work, and internships to prepare for careers in the creative sector.

What You're Signing Up For

The Bachelor of Contemporary Art at Wintec is designed for individuals seeking careers in the visual arts and creative industries. Students engage in a community fostering creative exploration, technical skill development, and professional practice across diverse art forms. Core modules focus on art craft, critical cultural engagement, and industry readiness, complemented by electives such as sound, storytelling, and moving image. Project zones, industry events, and internships ensure hands-on learning and strong professional networks. Graduates are equipped for a range of careers in the arts or further postgraduate study.

Course Content

  • Specialist studio practice in painting, photography, sculpture, installation, street art, curation, and illustration
  • Project-based learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration
  • Critical cultural methods and art theory
  • Professional practice and industry readiness
  • Electives in sound, storytelling, moving image and other media
  • Internships and real-world industry projects
  • Research methods and capstone projects
  • Opportunities for Design Factory NZ interdisciplinary problem-solving

What you need to know first

NCEA Level 3 with 60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or above, including 14 credits each at Level 3 in three approved subjects, literacy and numeracy requirements, and 10+ externally assessed credits at Level 2/3 in Practical Art or Design and Visual Communication

Relevant Level 4 qualification or equivalent

Portfolio submission and/or interview may be required for those not meeting standard entry criteria

Special or provisional admission may apply for candidates with alternative experience

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Visual arts

  • Creative industries

  • Media arts

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Professional artist (painter, photographer, filmmaker, multi-media)

  • Illustrator

  • Curator

  • Arts administrator

  • Stylist

  • Art teacher (with additional qualification)

  • Arts advocate

  • Creative industry roles