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Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts

  • ID:UC640007
  • Level:4-Year Bachelor's Degree
  • Duration:
  • Intake:

Fees (NZD)

Estimated Total/program:
Apply
60
Accept letter
100
Visa
20
Fly
1

Admission Requirements

Entry requirements

  • achieved NCEA Level 3 Visual Arts in one or more subjects; and
  • at least 14 credits in each of two other NCEA Level 3 subjects (that are not practical art subjects) is also strongly recommended; or
  • the equivalent standards in other secondary school qualifications.

All applicants also need to submit an application form, a letter of introduction, and a portfolio.

English requirements

  • IELTS: Academic with an average score of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
  • TOEFL iBT: Total minimum score of 80, with at least 19 in reading, writing and listening 
  • TOEFL PBT: With a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5
  • CCEL EAP: Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade
  • CAE or CPE: minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic): PTE with an overall score of 50 and no PTE communicative skills score below 42
  • NZCEL:  Level 4 - Academic endorsement

Course Information

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a prestigious degree that will give you a broad knowledge in visual arts, multimedia, and design before you specialise in one studio area.

The four-year degree is based within purpose-built facilities and students enjoy being part of a supportive community of practitioners.

  • First art school in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of the oldest in the English-speaking world.
  • Teaching staff are artists, designers, filmmakers, and curators of international standing.
  • Facilities include an on-campus art gallery, dedicated studios, and workshops.
  • Numerous exhibitions are organised by the Ilam School of Fine Arts | Te Kura Kōwaiwai throughout the year, allowing students to showcase their work to multiple audiences.
  • Enjoy a welcoming community of like-minded students, enthusiasts, professionals, staff, and alumni.

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In the first year of the degree, called the Fine Arts Intermediate Year, all BFA students complete the following compulsory courses:

  • FINA 101 What is Practice?
  • FINA 102 Communities of Practice
  • FINA 103 Studio Practice
  • Two 100-level ARTH courses

During the second year, students must also complete one 200-level course in ARTH (or CINE if majoring in Film or Photography).

Fine Arts majors

UC offers five studio specialisations in the Bachelor of Fine Arts. On passing the Intermediate Year, students gain a place in one of the following majors:

  • Film
  • Graphic Design
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Sculpture

Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours

  • Students that achieve good results during the three years of the degree may be approved for entry to the Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours programme at their fourth year.
  • You will need to include at least one 300-level course in ARTH (or CINE for Film and Photography students) and achieve a B grade or better in your third year courses to be eligible.
  • Students accepted into the BFA(Hons) will take FINA 450 Honours Research instead of the usual fourth-year courses in the BFA.
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Pre Courses

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Pathway Courses

Pathways include:

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Art Curatorship
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts
  • Master of Fine Arts
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Career Opportunity

Career Opportunity

Recent UC graduates have gained employment as professional artists, art gallery directors, photojournalists, commercial photographers, film directors, designers, consultants, art conservators, illustrators, fashion designers, curators, art critics, art historians, graphic designers, lecturers, and art teachers.

Ability to settle

Overseas Student Health Cover

Insurance/year: 700 NZD/per year

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