Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture

Summary

The Master of Fine Arts provides a development opportunity for students who have an interest in establishing themselves as professional artists or scholars, or career designers, film makers or photographers. This master's encourages participants to explore the latest trends, develop their own ideas, and build their confidence in the public realm.

The Ilam School of Fine Arts provides opportunities to gain valuable exhibition experience through an ongoing professional relationship with the Christchurch Art Gallery. There is also an artist-in-residence programme and the School enjoys a busy schedule of visiting international artists who share their expertise with postgraduate students.

MFA students document all their work and are expected to exhibit their work publicly at the conclusion of their degree.

Advanced courses in Sculpture address issues relating to form, balance and space with reference to the body and its place in both the history and current practice of sculpture. These initial investigations are then expanded to account for technological developments in materials and their application.

This base is expanded upon in the following years where students are encouraged to develop sound critical responses to their own practice through weekly seminars and critical exchanges with staff and other students. These courses are developed on an individual basis, founded upon teaching and learning agreements which focus on the development of sound working methods.

Sculpture courses are supported by a wide range of material applications in the workshops and provide advanced technical support for students who are encouraged to develop their technical skills in the making of their work.

Career opportunities

Postgraduate Fine Arts study at UC exposes students to many facets of the art world outside of university. It helps to build an artist's confidence, and preparation for the exciting and open-ended career of a professional artist.

Start date: Monthly by arrangement with supervisor