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Master of Fine Arts

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design, New Zealand
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Course Overview

The Master of Fine Arts program at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a two-year postgraduate course that provides students with the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and knowledge in a supportive and inspiring environment. The program focuses on creative practice, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students for careers as artists, designers, and cultural practitioners. With a strong emphasis on individualized learning, students work closely with faculty members to develop their unique artistic voice and vision. The program culminates in a final exhibition or project that showcases each student's creative achievements.

Additional Information

The Master of Fine Arts program at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is designed for students who want to push the boundaries of their artistic practice and develop their skills as artists, designers, and cultural practitioners. The program is open to candidates from a variety of artistic backgrounds, including fine arts, graphic design, photography, and creative writing. Students in the program have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and media labs, as well as opportunities for collaboration with other students and faculty members.

Discover Your Creative Potential at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design.

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a world-class institution for artistic study, with a rich history of producing innovative and creative graduates. The college's location in Auckland, New Zealand provides students with access to a vibrant arts community, as well as opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration. Whitecliffe's faculty members are accomplished artists and designers who are dedicated to supporting the development of their students.

Why You Should Study This Course

The Master of Fine Arts is a full-time, two-year (year one at level 8, year two at level 9), low-residency programme enabling enrolled artists to live and work anywhere in New Zealand. Designed around four, week-long seminars per year, the programme is delivered by faculty and guests that are nationally and internationally respected artists, critics, writers, and curators. According to their interests and proposed direction of study, students are assigned two supervisors to support their studio practice as it develops from Semester to Semester in order to best support their direction and research throughout the programme.

The MFA programme prepares artists for a professional career working within a diverse field of contemporary art practices across local and international contexts. The interdisciplinary structure and philosophy support artists in understanding how art and artworks operate in the world, and through regular critique, supervisory guidance, seminar participation, and a focus on exhibition and publication practice assists them to develop their individual approach to practice and research.

General Eligibility

Domestic Student Entry Requirements:

  • Completed application form

  • Official transcripts of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and/or other academic qualifications

  • Portfolio: A typical portfolio comprises 10-15 digital images of key works or projects and one or two examples of contextual research in written form (digital format only required for application)

  • A current curriculum vitae

  • Three referee contact details

  • A statement of intent outlining the direction/emphasis of the work you wish to develop as part of the MFA programme

International Student Entry Requirements:

  • Completed application form

  • Passport copy

  • Minimum Age: Students must turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe

  • IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent

  • Official transcripts of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and/or other academic qualifications

  • Portfolio: A typical portfolio comprises 10-15 digital images of key works or projects and one or two examples of contextual research in written form (digital format only require for application)

  • A current curriculum vitae

  • Three referee contact details

  • A statement of intent outlining the direction/emphasis of the work you wish to develop as part of the MFA programme

What You'll Study

1 Course Modules

The Master of Fine Arts programme is built around a comprehensive programme of supervised studio research and contextual studies requiring self-directed learning and continuing professional development. The principal aim is for students to extend their established creative capacity, develop critical skills, and foster a mature understanding of the relationships between their work and contemporary culture. The intensive format of the seminars is structured around themed discussions, guest artist presentations, exhibition visits, and studio critique.

Intensive, week-long seminars are held four times annually at the Symonds Street, Auckland campus. By completion of the MFA students will present:

  • An oral presentation in the final semester outlining their studio and contextual research direction

  • A blog site showcasing analysis of influential modes of practice and critical debate

  • A printed catalogue containing critical essays and photographic evidence of key projects

  • A final public exhibition of works contributing to their chosen field of practice

Language Requirement

  • IELTS6.0
  • TOEFL78
  • PTE58
  • Duolingo79

IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent

Ready to get started?

For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.

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