Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts PGDipFA at University of Auckland

About

The Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts (PGDipFA) gives you the opportunity to integrate studio practice with critical studies.

The PGDipFA is open to anyone with a university degree who also has some relevant professional or industry experience. The diploma offers people who have established careers in the creative sector the chance to extend, refresh and diversify their artistic skill set. Students will bring their diverse experiences into the studio environment.

This diploma is suitable and relevant to people using their practice as part of their working life, eg. teachers, artists, designers, writers, community thinkers and civic creative specialists. You have an opportunity to learn new skills in supportive energetic studio setting and be a contributor to New Zealand’s pre-eminent, postgraduate Fine Arts environment.

Disciplines

Creative Arts and Industries

Requirements

Entry Requirements

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

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.

Study option

Taught 120 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

A Bachelor degree from this University

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Taught 120 points

You must also have relevant professional experience applicable to the field of Contemporary Art Practice / Fine Arts. Once you have submitted your Application for Admission, you will then need to submit your application portfolio using SlideRoom.

Your portfolio is comprised of:

Creative Works

A selection of up to 12 works that demonstrates visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and gives an overall impression of your interests. Your works could include, but are not limited to, the following media: painting, photography, sculpture, design, workbook pages, creative writing samples, recordings of performance, moving image, and/or audio works.

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Practice-based Curriculum Vitae (CV)

This should cover your previous art training, experience, and practice. Include all exhibition(s), art and design-based activities and collaborative projects.It could also include involvement in relevant community activities and details of any academic and/or professional awards / prizes.

Other pathways to study

You must have completed a bachelors degree from this University with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in at least 60 points above stage II.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

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.

Study option

Taught 120 points

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

A Bachelor degree
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

Taught 120 points

You must have completed a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point equivalent of 4.0 or higher.

You must also have relevant professional experience applicable to the field of Contemporary Art Practice / Fine Arts.

Once you have submitted your Application for Admission, you will then need to submit your application portfolio using SlideRoom.

Your portfolio is comprised of:

Creative Works

A selection of up to 12 works that demonstrates visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and gives an overall impression of your interests. Your works could include, but are not limited to, the following media: painting, photography, sculpture, design, workbook pages, creative writing samples, recordings of performance, moving image, and/or audio works.

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Practice-based Curriculum Vitae (CV)

This should cover your previous art training, experience, and practice. Include all exhibition(s), art and design-based activities and collaborative projects.It could also include involvement in relevant community activities and details of any academic and/or professional awards / prizes.

Other pathways to study

If you have a GPE of 3.5, then you could seek entry into the PGCertFA as a pathway to the PGDipFA or 180-point MFA degrees.

Career

Where could this programme take you?

There are three common areas where Elam graduates find employment – public sector, private organisations, or as a practising artist or entrepreneurial creative. As the business world looks to innovators, the capabilities developed through a creative education are becoming highly sought-after.

Jobs related to this programme

Animator
Art curator
Art director (TV/film)
Art writer or critic
Artist
Creative director in an agency
Designer
Educator

Further study options

See all study options

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.

For Creative Arts and Industries specific career advice, visit Creative Careers.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

NZD 50,327

Application Fee

NZD

Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts PGDipFA

University of Auckland

University of Auckland

Key Facts

Start & Deadlines