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Bachelor of Fine Arts: Fine Arts

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design, New Zealand
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Course Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts: Fine Arts program at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a comprehensive course that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the exciting world of fine arts. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and technical skill, this program prepares students for a variety of careers in the visual arts, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and more. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as expert instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience with students. In addition to technical skills, students will also learn about the historical and cultural contexts of fine arts, and how to analyze and interpret works of art. By the end of this program, students will have a solid foundation in the principles and practices of fine arts, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in this field.

Additional Information

In addition to the core curriculum, students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts: Fine Arts program will have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of fine arts, such as painting, drawing, or sculpture. They will also have access to a variety of elective courses and workshops, allowing them to tailor their education to their individual interests and career goals. Throughout the program, students will be encouraged to experiment with different mediums and techniques, and to push the boundaries of what is possible in fine arts. With a strong emphasis on creativity and self-expression, this program is designed to help students develop their own unique voice and style, and to prepare them for a successful career in the visual arts.

Discover Your Creative Potential at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is the perfect place for students who are passionate about fine arts. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and technical skill, this program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of careers in the visual arts. Located in the heart of Auckland, New Zealand, Whitecliffe College offers students access to a vibrant arts community, as well as state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. The college is also committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where students can feel safe to take risks and explore their creativity without fear of judgment. Whether you're just starting out in your artistic journey or looking to take your skills to the next level, Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is the perfect place to learn, grow, and succeed.

Why You Should Study This Course

Fine Arts explores traditional and contemporary materials, techniques, and approaches in relation to students' own ideas and creativity. Learning takes place within an integrated programme of studio-based and contextual courses that prepare students for a range of creative professions. Whitecliffe provides individual studio space, which can be accessed seven days a week. Students are further supported by technical equipment and support. At the end of each Semester, students stage formal assessment exhibitions within their studio space. These displays provide opportunities for showcasing work to the public and are essential for resolving existing ideas and considering new directions.

The uniqueness of the Whitecliffe Bachelor of Fine Arts qualification is that it begins by aligning the subjects of Fine Arts and Photo Media (Photography and the Media Arts) together, allowing students to experiment with all forms of working before choosing to focus on a specialism for further study. This means Whitecliffe graduates are better prepared to work across new and traditional fields of contemporary arts practice utilising these highly sought-after transferable skills in an increasingly wide range of industries after graduating.

Whitecliffe's Form Gallery provides an excellent site for students, alumni, faculty, and visiting artists to exhibit. These exhibitions provide insight into professional contemporary practice and help students to connect with the wider arts community.

General Eligibility

Domestic Student Entry Requirements:

  • Completed application form

  • Minimum age: Domestic students must be at least 18 years of age at the commencement of their study.

  • NCEA University Entrance or equivalent CIE/IB award.

  • Discretionary Entrance is available to students who have gained exceptional marks in accomplishing NCEA Level 2, including UE literacy requirements (5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing at level 2).

  • Discretionary Entrance is available to students who have gained a Level 4 Arts and Design certificate of at least 60 credits.

  • Discretionary Entrance is available to students who are over 20 years of age.

  • Interview: All applicants for this programme are interviewed.

  • Portfolio: This is brought to the interview and should include between 12-24 examples of original work showing breadth of ability.

  • Letter of Intent: A 250-word letter of intent outlining reasons for wanting to study the BFA programme and desired pathway

International Student Entry Requirements:

  • Completed application form

  • Passport copy

  • Minimum age: International students must be at least 18 years of age during their first semester of study. Where the student is under 18 years of age for part of their first year of study they must have evidence of a guardian domiciled in Auckland.

  • IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent

  • Academic Transcripts: School or previous tertiary results

  • Interview: All applicants for this programme are interviewed. International student interviews are conducted via telephone or online

  • Portfolio: This is brought to the interview and should include between 12-24 examples of original work showing breadth of ability. International Students may submit their portfolio digitally

  • Letter of Intent: A 250-word letter of intent outlining reasons for wanting to study the BFA programme and desired pathway

  • Full-time study: International students enrolled into a degree or higher-level programme, including low residence and/or online or blended learning delivery, will be required to enrol into 60 credits per semester and meet the attendance requirements of the programme.

What You'll Study

1 Year 1
  • Critical and Contextual IA

  • Materials and Processes

  • Photography and the Media Arts

  • Visual Thinking

2 Year 2

Year Two Fine Arts students develop a broad learning base utilising a variety of media. In Terms 1 - 3, students participate in a series of set assignments, tutorials, and workshops that assist them to experiment with a range of media and techniques, evaluate complex issues and discuss critical frameworks relevant to contemporary art practice. In Term Four, students focus on the transition from working with set assignments to working on a self-directed project that extends studio-based visual and theoretical research. Intensive supervision from the faculty supports their creative, practical, and contextual development.

3 Year 3

By undertaking a negotiated studio research project in Year Three, students will creatively engage in a largely self-directed course of study to produce practical work, which is evaluated within a critical framework. Year Three students accumulate a contextual portfolio, which contains photographic documentation of their studio work as it has developed throughout the year alongside an annotated bibliography of relevant reading material. Students also complete 40 hours in an internship component that connects them to the industry.

By the end of Year Three, students will resolve a professional body of work that represents an original area of inquiry which is then presented together with the rest of their cohort at the Whitecliffe Graduate Exhibition. This exhibition is well attended by industry professionals and is an important opportunity to showcase student work, supporting them to graduate with momentum, to have confidence and make a contribution to their chosen discipline and the wider arts community.

Language Requirement

  • IELTS5.5
  • TOEFL59
  • PTE50
  • Duolingo69

IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 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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