Postgraduate Diploma in Visual Arts

About the programme

Advance your art studies and enhance your career prospects in the Arts industry.

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake practical and theory-based guided art research in a structured learning environment. A postgraduate qualification in the Visual Arts can lead to an exciting and diverse range of art professions, and the skills you develop are transferable to a wide variety of employment situations in education, or the arts industry and management. Perfect as a springboard into further postgraduate study, the Master of Visual Arts would be a logical extension to this qualification and may lead to higher-level employment opportunities in the art and design sector.

With support and advice from highly experienced tutors, create a systematic and professionally-exhibited body of work, accompanied by two written texts that demonstrate your intellectual rigour and contemporary relevance. Benefit from Otago Polytechnic's nationally unique range of workshop facilities and the Dunedin School of Art's focus on individual supervision and student-centred learning, supported by an active community of artists to enhance professional development.

Studying part-time

We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme over two years part-time.

Entry

Entry requirements

• You must have completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts or equivalent qualification at a bachelor's level or any other undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Exceptional applicants not meeting the entry requirements but with appropriate documented professional experience may also be considered.
• You must submit an annotated portfolio, curriculum vitae and a project proposal. The portfolio must be no larger than 2MB. See portfolio section below.
• Selection for admission includes an interview.
• If you do not hold the above qualifications, you must demonstrate appropriate ability through a portfolio and associated writings which will be approved by the Postgraduate Admissions Committee.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet the entry requirements.

We will be taking applications for a February 2023 start until 27 January 2023. Please submit all your materials by this date through the application portal.

Postgraduate interview dates

We will schedule in-person interviews on Wednesday 8 February for those in Dunedin. If you can't get to Dunedin, we will organise a time for you.##### 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.

Your portfolio

Your application should contain the following:

1. A curriculum vitae of no more than two pages which lists the relevant qualifications and previous exhibiting histories and references or includes any reviews or responses which are relevant.
2. An annotated portfolio with images that indicate the scope of the work to date in a focused way. These images should relate to your project proposal. See more info below.
3. A project proposal of 500-1,000 words with annotated bibliography.

Annotated portfolio details

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 CV, portfolio and project proposal

• 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.

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email [email protected] or call 0800 762 786.