Master of Arts

Summary

This Master's is a research programme designed to advance students' creative, academic, and professional capabilities. Students will undertake a substantial, independent research project within their chosen area of communication, visual design, spatial design, moving image, fashion design, music, performing arts and theatre, or contemporary art practice. The programme equips students to conduct high‑level inquiry, deepen their expertise, extend their practice, and to make informed, impactful contributions within their academic or professional discipline.

Our Master's students will receive supervision for both the practical and theoretical components of their studies. Additional supervision is available from external representatives in a student's professional field and/or for students wishing to utilise kaupapa Māori methodologies in their research. Students will have frequent formal and informal meetings and critiques with other staff and students to discuss their work, helping them to analyse, evaluate, and articulate their research practice. We provide a learning environment that is supportive, positive, varied, and active, encouraging input from staff and students equally.

Facilities in the School of Media Arts are made available to students based on the nature and requirements of their projects, including studio spaces, fabrication workshops, and industry-standard digital environments. Various test spaces, exhibition sites, and tutorial rooms are used for scheduled classes and for formative and informal reviews of work. Technical staff maintain facilities and equipment and are available to assist students with practical and logistical issues in their studies.