About

The DocFA involves both writing and practice, with an emphasis on the creative part of your thesis. You will be supervised by a committed team of professionally active, internationally recognised staff from Elam School of Fine Arts and, if appropriate, other schools/departments within the University of Auckland.

The DocFA is the highest-level university qualification in Fine Arts at the University of Auckland that is predominantly founded on studio-based practice. Like the PhD with Creative Scholarly Work, it is expected to be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen field. Candidates work on advanced-level research in a manner relevant to medium-based or post-medium practices throughout the course of the degree.

Alternatively, we also offer the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Fine Arts with a creative practice component. If you wish to undertake a solely written thesis, then a PhD might be for you. For more information see or contact our academic department postgraduate advisors to discuss your options.

More information
Doctoral policies and guidelines
Regulations for the DocFA
Doctoral study in Fine Arts

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

New Zealand Outside New Zealand

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Grade required

2nd class division i
- Master of Fine Arts
- 10,000-word research essay (MFAs with shorter essays may be required to undertake bridging studies)
- Level of training and ability necessary to undertake advanced doctoral study in fine arts creative practice and research

Further programme requirements

Supervision and research requirements

Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.

You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities.

You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.

How to apply

Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.5
- Masters-level qualification in fine arts
- Level of training and ability necessary to undertake advanced doctoral study in fine arts creative practice and research
Qualification

IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System

Score required

6.5

No bands less than 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Supervision and research requirements

Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.

You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities.

You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.

All students must meet our English-language requirements as a condition of entry.

How to apply

Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.

Career

Where could this programme take you?

The DocFA is an opportunity for both experienced and emerging artists to undertake advanced-level research and practice to further their development within their chosen creative field.

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Doctor of Fine Arts DocFA