Course details

Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts – BMVA
NZQF Level 7

About the course

Immerse yourself in the only university-based 4-year degree in Māori Visual Arts in Aotearoa and explore Māori visual culture encompassing customary and contemporary Māori art, language, culture and tikanga.

We cater for all levels of proficiency in te reo, and you can learn at the rate that’s right for you.

Be surrounded in a whānau atmosphere by inspiring people that are well-known contemporary artists, who can help you soar to new levels of creativity.

  • Develop your art practice in shared studio spaces, from painting and sculpture to photography and installation.
  • Learn te reo Māori at the level that’s right for you.
  • Explore what it means to be Māori today, and graduate with a sense of identity, pride, and confidence as a contemporary artist.
  • Be exposed to indigenous artists, curators and galleries to help grow your career in the arts.

Over time you will develop your own art practice that is deeply grounded in your culture.

As well as Māori, we have students of Pākehā and international indigenous heritage who want to explore a kaupapa-driven approach to contemporary art.

Toioho ki Apiti has a strong relationship with the Te Manawa gallery in Palmerston North. The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions of work by students, staff and alumni. We also offer opportunities to visit art galleries, museums and cultural events in other centres.

Further study

Explore your personal practice and critical engagement with Toi Māori further with the Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Artsor the Master of Māori Visual Arts.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.   

To enter the Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts you will need to:

  • provide a portfolio of your work, in the form of slides, photos or actual artworks
  • provide a statement (of around 100 words) of why you want to join the BMVA
  • take part in an interview.

Application closing date

Applications close on 30 November, for study commencing the following year.

Late applications are welcome.

Language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards. Procedures exist for those students who wish to submit written work, assignments or examinations in Te Reo Māori.

Portfolio requirements

Submit a portfolio showing a selection of your creative work that demonstrates your creative potential with your application to study. Email us to arrange a portfolio pre-approval session:

[email protected]

Selection interview

Once we have received your application, we’ll invite you to a hui so we can learn more about you and your aspirations. While your academic history is important, we also take into account your:

  • creative ability
  • commitment to Māori creative expression
  • commitment to Māori art and scholarship
  • maturity
  • communication skills.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

*This course is not available to international students.

About the provider

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa is a leading New Zealand university, world-renowned for unique practical qualifications, ground-breaking research, and online courses. 

Each year over 5,000 international students from more than 100 countries find a warm welcome at Massey. We are ranked in the top 250 universities in the world by QS World Rankings and have a well-established reputation for academic leadership, research excellence and innovative teaching.


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