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.
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


Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More detailsUnlock these abilities

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

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

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

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Visual arts
Creative industries
Media arts

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


Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details