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University

Massey University
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Master of Fine Arts

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Master's Degree

Duration

2 years

Next start date

Expected Feb 2025

Campus

Wellington Campus

Summary

Study a Master of Fine Arts – MFA

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) has a strong collective philosophy. By bringing together students from design and fine arts, the MFA fosters intense conversations and exploration.

For designers and artists

Choose whether you want to graduate with an MFA in design, in fine arts or without endorsement if you believe your work cannot be framed in terms of either discipline.

We have had students join the programme whose undergraduate training is in fashion design, photography, textile design, industrial design, graphic design, fine arts and even music.

Internationally-recognised and unique in New Zealand

We have the largest number of internationally ranked researchers in visual art and design of any New Zealand university. All academic staff teaching into postgraduate programmes have significant research profiles.

The Massey MFA has been awarded ‘substantial equivalency’ status by the US National Association of Schools of Art and Design, putting it on a par with similar degrees from many leading US universities.

Rare in Australasia, the Massey MFA takes place over two years, offering you time to explore creatively, interrogate the fundamentals of your practice, and push your work in new directions. By the second year you will have a critically informed sense of who you are as a creative practitioner and carry that into your final thesis project.

Some of the things we value: lively debate, criticality, technical virtuosity; social engagement, challenge, metamorphosis and great kai.

Get the full picture

Visit the College of Creative Arts website.

Further study

Extend your creative practice and research interests after your MFA with progressive work creating new knowledge with a PhD.

A MFA is a good fit if you:

crave depth, stretch, disruption and transformation in your creative work

thrive in a transdisciplinary environment

value both the conceptual and the material in your creative practice.

Entry criteria

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.

To enter the Master of Fine Arts you will:

have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor of Design with Honours or Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours (or equivalent) with a minimum B average, or

Have been awarded or qualified for a Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts or Postgraduate Diploma in Design (or equivalent) with a minimum B average, or

have been awarded a relevant Bachelor's degree with a minimum B average and demonstrated relevant industry or professional experience.

You will also need to:

take part in an interview

provide a portfolio of design work

provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

International English Language Requirements:

  • IELTS - 6.5 overall and minimum 6.0 in each band
  • TOEFL iBT – Overall score 90, minimum 20 in Writing
  • Cambridge English - C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176. No less than 169 in each skill.
  • NCEL - Level 5
  • PTE - 58 overall and minimum 50 in each communicative skills
  • LanguageCert - C1 Expert IESOL (LRWS) with HIGH PASS and no less than Pass in each skill or C2 Mastery IESOL (LRWS) with PASS and no less than Pass in each skill

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