Course details

Master of Creative Practice
NZQF Level 9

About the course

The Master of Creative Practice is applicable to creatives such as musicians, dramatists, performing and visual artists, designers, film makers, writers, directors or any professional engaged in creative pursuits. If you're a graduate with experience working in the creative community and you'd like to become a leader in creative practice, this is the perfect way to establish your credentials in your chosen domain. The programme may also suit you if you don't have extensive experience but you've demonstrated academic and creative success at graduate or undergraduate level. The Master of Creative Practice is designed to engage you in understanding, investigation and intervention within your chosen domain in academic or professional contexts. It will give you the opportunity to critically reflect on your practice through theory, and to further develop the practice into a more substantial and fully-independent research-based thesis. You'll be enabled to extend your domain of creative practice through enacting an advanced, sustained and sophisticated body of independent original practice-based research, which conforms to internationally recognised standards. You'll also be equipped with the skills and knowledge to extend your domain of practice through the undertaking of independent original research.

Entry requirements

What if English is not my first Language? Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic 6.0 Listening 6.0 Reading 6.0 Writing 6.0 Speaking If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study. Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart. If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment. If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country. IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test. What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance? You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills. Applicants unable to evidence that they meet Academic Entry requirements, but who can demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge acquired through appropriate work or professional experience, may be approved for alternative entry. Applicants are required to undertake course advisement with an Ara staff member and complete a for postgraduate study application form. A Bachelor's degree or Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant subject area with a B+ average, or a higher qualification. Or A Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject area with an established profile of professional practice or experience.

About the provider

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level. 

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.

Video