Master of Fine Arts – MFA

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) has a strong collective philosophy. By bringing together students from across a broad spectrum of disciplinary and interdisciplinary fine arts practices, the MFA fosters rigorous conversations and exploration.

For artists, curators, social practitioners, working in all disciplines and modes

Students joining our MFA may have undergraduate training is in fine arts, design and/or photography, and be keen to work within gallery environments, in public space, or directly with communities. MFA students frequently draw on a breadth of knowledge systems including:

• Indigenous perspectives and research methods
• interdisciplinary practices engaging with contemporary social and political concerns
• arts publishing
• curatorial practice
• event and performance practices
• those places where the fine arts meet other modes of creative expression.

Excellent faculty and visiting practitioners

We have the largest number of internationally ranked researchers in visual art and design, including the highest percentage of mātauranga toi Māori faculty, of any New Zealand university. Academic staff teaching into postgraduate qualifications are active as artists, writers and curators and have significant research profiles nationally and internationally.

This research environment is supported by Te Whare Hēra International Artist Residency, a collaboration between Whiti o Rehua School of Art and Wellington City Council, and embedded engagement with the local and national art scene.

Facilities

Facilities include shared fine arts studios and workshops, including 3D fabrication, textiles and printmaking, photography darkrooms, a Digital Print Facility and print finishing spaces, colour managed computer suites, editing suites, motion capture spaces, green screens, audio recording facilities, digital fabrication technologies, exhibition and test spaces.

Get the full picture

• Visit the College of Creative Arts website.

Further study

Extend your creative practice and research interests after your MFA with progressive work creating new knowledge with a PhD.

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.

To enter the Master of Fine Arts you must:

• meet the University entrance requirements, and:

  • have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or equivalent with a grade average of at least B in part 4 courses, or equivalent; or

  • have been awarded or qualified for the Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts or equivalent with a grade average of at least B; or

  • have been awarded or qualified for a relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a grade average of at least B; or

  • have been granted admission under the Admission with Equivalent Status regulations and demonstrate practical, professional, and scholarly experience at an appropriate level; and

• be selected into the qualification through an interview and the assessment of a portfolio of your relevant work.

You will also need to:

• take part in an interview
• provide a portfolio of relevant work
• provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

Portfolio requirements

For more information about portfolio requirements, see the College of Creative Arts' postgraduate applications page.

Application closing date

Applications close on 30 November for study commencing the following year (there is 1 intake each year).

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

• Massey University English language requirements

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.

• Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
• Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

• review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• contact us through the Get advice button on this page.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.