Fine Arts
An Ilam School of Fine Arts postgraduate student in their studio space on campus.
Qualifications
Overview
The University of Canterbury’s Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts (PGDipFineArts) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) are intensive study programmes that provide high-achieving students with the opportunity to consolidate and extend studio work and research interests. These courses are for students who have an interest in establishing themselves as professional artists with the intention to explore the latest developments in their chosen field of practice.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts (PGDipFineArts) and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) offer advanced, practice-based research within a studio subject.
The programmes give students the opportunity to produce work that critically examines the technical practice, artistic influences, trends, and professional industry of their specialist area in Fine Arts.
Students can take advantage of Te Kura Kōwaiwai | Ilam School of Fine Arts’ facilities on campus, such as the on-site gallery, darkrooms, digital labs, workshops, and film suites. Each student also has their own studio space for practising and showcasing their work.
Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts
For the PGDipFineArts, a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a B Grade Point Average in final year courses is required to enrol. Students with a degree or a diploma in Fine Arts and professional experience in the field will also be considered.
Master of Fine Arts
A Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours or the PGDipFineArts is good preparation for UC’s MFA degree.
Contact the Fine Arts Postgraduate Coordinator for further information.
Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts
The research courses in the programme are practice-based, and build on your studio subject in Film, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, or Sculpture.
The PGDipFineArts is made up of either:
- FINA 450 Honours Research (120 points)
- or both FINA 451 Honours Research A and FINA 452 Honours Research B (60 points each)
Students studying the Diploma part-time will complete the two courses option.
Master of Fine Arts
Major subjects for the MFA are:
- Film
- Graphic Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Sculpture
Students complete the appropriate course based on their specialisation:
Contact us
Te Kura Kōwaiwai | Ilam School of Fine Arts
Phone +64 3 369 1792
Email finearts@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Fine Arts building, Block 2 – see campus maps
Postal address
Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand

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