Master of Fine Arts
MFA
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Overview
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) provides a development opportunity for students who have an interest in establishing themselves as professional artists or scholars, or career designers, filmmakers, or photographers. This Master's encourages participants to explore the latest trends, develop their own ideas, and build their confidence in the public realm.
UC offers the MFA in Film, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, and Sculpture.
The Ilam School of Fine Arts | Te Kura Kōwaiwai provides opportunities to gain valuable exhibition experience through an ongoing professional relationship with the Christchurch Art Gallery | Te Puna o Waiwhetū. 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.
On-campus facilities include ample studio space, well-equipped workshops, digital labs, darkrooms, and extensive film and video facilities. In addition there is an on-site gallery, and one of the country's top fine arts collections.
A number of scholarships and awards are on offer for talented students.
Students must normally have completed:
- a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours, or an equivalent degree with good grades in relevant subjects; or
- significant professional practice or teaching experience.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Applicants submit a proposal and a special application – see 'How to apply' below.
For the full entry requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Fine Arts or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
Applicants submit a proposal outlining the direction their practice will take for that year. A special application to the Ilam School of Fine Arts | Te Kura Kōwaiwai must be made by 1 November of the year preceding entry.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
This degree involves a submission of work in one of the areas of practice, or a combination of courses and submission of work. For the course requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Fine Arts.
MFA students document all their work and are expected to exhibit their work publicly at the conclusion of their degree.
The Master of Fine Arts is normally completed over 1 year full-time. Part-time applicants are welcome, and can complete the degree in 2 years.
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.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,532 |
| 2020 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,683 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $33,800 |
| 2020 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $35,800 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Fine Arts.
For study planning help contact the Ilam School of Fine Arts | Te Kura Kōwaiwai or the College of Arts:
College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email artsdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz