Master of Fine Arts

About the programme

If you've already decided that you're serious about art, and want to develop further as a professional arts practitioner or expand your employment potential, then this is the qualification for you.

The Master of Fine Arts is an applied research degree benchmarked against national and international standards with a distinct emphasis on art-making and writing. The programme is shaped by your proposal and can be completed in one discipline, or across several, and provides a qualification necessary for careers such as tertiary teaching, writing or critiquing, museum or gallery curatorship. 

Practising artists will especially benefit from a focused, in-depth research project, culminating in a public exhibition and dissertation, reflecting your knowledge and competence in art practices and theories, and contemporary society and culture. Choose to study at the Dunedin School of Art and enter into a lively and challenging environment where you will benefit from the nationally unique workshop facilities and the expertise of lecturers who have a diverse range of approaches and experience in the fine arts and design.

Part-time study and low residency

We know full-time study isn't always possible so we offer a part-time, four year option (flexible movement between our full-time and part-time options is available).

We also offer a low residency option for students based outside Dunedin. Please contact us for more information.

Entry

Entry requirements

• You must hold a recognised bachelor's degree in fine arts or an equivalent four year programme with at least a B grade average. Three year undergraduate degrees may be considered but you must have achieved an A pass average in the major subject.
• You must submit an annotated portfolio, curriculum vitae and a research proposal, including an annotated bibliography. The portfolio must be no larger than 2MB. See more detailed information about this below.
• Selection for admission includes an interview.
• If you do not hold the above qualifications, you must demonstrate appropriate ability through a current portfolio and a related project proposal which will be approved by the Master of Fine Arts Admissions Committee.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet the entry requirements.

English Language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Project proposal, portfolio and referee reports

Research Project Proposal

The research project proposal is an important part of your application and should reflect your previous and current practice.

An introduction of approximately 500 words should provide a clear indication of the key areas of focus in the proposed research project and should demonstrate integration of theory and studio practice. Please provide:

• Project title
• Field of research interest
• Brief description of project
• Outline of research questions and proposed methodologies
• Annotated bibliography, listing approximately 15 items
• Nominated supervisors (please discuss with the Postgraduate Coordinator)

Approximately 1000 words should focus on the studio component of the project. Please include:

• Summary of previous research and outputs related to the field of interest
• Statement of aims and a list of relevant studio areas
• Forecast of anticipated resources (facilities and materials)
• Information on training already undertaken or to be undertaken
• Refer to the annotated portfolio

Approximately 700 words should focus on the written component of the project. Please include:

• Summary of theoretical/historical contexts relevant to your project
• Indications of research approaches/methodologies you propose to adopt
• Information on previous study and research related to your field(s) of interest
• Links with the studio component of your project.
• Plus (i.e. not included in the 700 words) annotated examples of writing (i.e. include examples plus notes on the style and context of the examples in relation to studio practice where possible)

Referees' Reports

Please provide the name of three people who can be contacted to supply a referee's report if required. For example, tutors, colleagues or a head of school. Referee's details should include the name of the referee, the position of the referee and their contact details. A referee should be someone you know who is able to comment on your ability to complete a long-term project requiring both independent and collaborative work. 

Annotated portfolio

You should provide approximately 15 images of work (including images of installations where applicable). Each image should be numbered and correspond with an annotated list including information as to title, date, size, materials and position within your practice. Images should illustrate a range of work as well as development over a period of time. If available, you should attach exhibition catalogues, reviews, articles or any other material relevant to your work. 

Sending us your proposal, names of referees and portfolio

• Please submit these digitally if you can.
• Please don't submit originals.
• If you have trouble uploading your documents digitally when you're applying online, please email [email protected]

If you need to send us your documents in a physical format, please send them to: 

Dunedin School of Art
Otago Polytechnic
Riego Street
Private Bag 9010, Dunedin

Please note: While all reasonable care will be taken, Otago Polytechnic does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of portfolio material. 

Selection process

This programme is distinguished by relatively small class size and an attentive focus on each individual project, therefore admission to the qualification is competitive. Applications from eligible candidates will be considered on their individual merit. The annotated portfolio and research project proposal outlining studio and written components, and the articulation of links between these, are central to selection for admission.