Master of Fine Arts in Painting

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.

Advancing courses in Painting begin with project work specifically designed to introduce students to painting, the rationale which lies behind the medium and the basic formal issues which guide it. Advanced studies are conducted through personally constructed courses of study and founded on clearly defined teaching and learning agreements. These agreements are subject to constant monitoring by lecturers and to critical review. These agreements help students to become aware of, and to locate, the areas of their greatest interest.

Students are also encouraged to develop effective and appropriate forms of critical discourse about their own work, the work of other students and of current art practice in general.

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