About the programme
The Bachelor of Fine Arts is an NZQF Level 7 programme at Whitecliffe in which students build a meaningful art practice over three years of full-time study (360 credits) by experimenting with a wide range of media and processes. The degree brings Fine Arts and Photo Media (photography and media arts) together, so students can focus on one or work across both.
In the first year students try drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography and moving image, then combine or cross disciplines as their own practice takes shape. Studio work runs alongside contemporary art theory — art philosophy, visual culture and critical analysis — so that students learn to talk about their work and place it within local and international art contexts, not just to make it.
Teaching includes lectures and one-to-one sessions with practising artists, technical tutorials, guest speakers and critics. Group critiques help students experiment and gain confidence discussing their work. Every student has a personal studio space from year one, open seven days a week. Each semester ends with assessment exhibitions that are open to the public, and the degree also includes professional practice courses, industry collaborations and third-year internships.
The Symonds Street campus in Auckland offers equipped studios, a printmaking workshop, darkroom, lighting studio, computer labs and project spaces. Graduates can progress to the Level 8 Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) and the Level 9 Master of Fine Arts.
Entry requirements
- All applicants: a portfolio of original work (digital, ideally PDF), a letter of intent and an interview, which can be held by video call.
- NZ school leavers: NCEA University Entrance or an equivalent CIE/IB award including literacy (10 credits at Level 2); an endorsement in a Level 3 visual arts subject is preferred.
- Alternatively: an equivalent NZ or overseas qualification, exceptional NCEA Level 2 results, or being over 20 with arts experience shown in the portfolio.
- International applicants must turn 18 during their first year and hold a qualification equivalent to the above.
- English: IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, or equivalent; NZ visa requirements also apply.
What you study
- Fine Arts and Photo Media pathways, which can be combined
- Drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture in year one
- Photography and moving image
- Contemporary art theory, art philosophy and visual culture
- Professional practice courses and third-year internships
- End-of-semester assessment exhibitions
Careers after graduation
- Exhibiting artist in New Zealand or overseas
- Art consultant or art project manager
- Set design and construction
- Photographer, videographer or photojournalist
- Curator, gallery or studio manager
- Professional studio assistant
- Running a creative business or freelancing
Post-study work visa
Up to 3 years
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 20/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Whitecliffe website