School of Fine Arts

Since its inception in 2001 the School of Fine Arts has offered innovative programmes in contemporary Fine Art and Photography, through practice and research at undergraduate and postgraduate degree level.

Based at the Wellington campus, the School’s programmes include opportunities to study Fine Art or Photography as an undergraduate Honours Degree, Master or PhD, as well as a number of Diploma level options.

Staff in the School of Fine Arts have significant research profiles and represent New Zealand’s leading teaching nexus for Photographic Design and Fine Art. They are key contributors to the activities of the School's research initiatives including Litmus, Tiefenschärfe / Depth of Field and The Engine Room gallery.

The School places particular emphasis on the development of practice in Fine Art and Photography through studio work and critical thinking. It actively encourages interdisciplinary practice via the development of practical and conceptual skills across a range of media and disciplines. Its programmes equip students with a transferable knowledge base, specialist skills and critical capability.

Graduates will have the ability to incorporate and examine discipline-specific knowledge alongside multidisciplinary practices, and the application of research to the production of contemporary art and photographic design.

Each year students have the opportunity to meet and work with visiting artists, photographers, curators and art professionals. There is an ongoing programme of national and international guests to the school, exhibitions, events and the option to participate in guided international study tours.

An internship elective for senior undergraduate students supports placements with host institutions, businesses or individuals. For example, students have taken up internships with The New Zealand Film Archive, Te Papa Tongarewa, Litmus, Tiefenschärfe, The National Library, The Physics Room (Christchurch), The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery (New Plymouth), commercial dealer galleries and secondary school art departments.

Being a student within the College of Creative Arts means there are also excellent opportunities to take electives from programmes in Design and Visual and Material Culture, as well as those offered by other Massey Colleges and Massey extramural programmes.

For more information on degree programmes check out the Art home page.

For information on the Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts, MFA and PHD programmes check out the Postgraduate home page.

Find more information on staff here.

Associate Professor Heather Galbraith
Head of School