School of Fine Arts Postgraduate Study

The Fine Arts Postgraduate Studies programme at Massey University is the defining fine arts programme in New Zealand. The programme in contemporary art and photography is dynamic and forward-thinking, designed to offer students both flexibility and self-directed learning within a rigorous and challenging structure for the development and exchange of ideas.

The Postgraduate offerings focus on individual research and emphasise the development of skills to work deftly across a range of media, but also establish the ability to identify, critically analyse and confidently engage in broader historical and theoretical debates and discourses of contemporary art and photography. Students work towards developing the skills that will prepare them for engagement in the creative sectors and beyond, and to contribute to the enrichment of New Zealand culture both locally and internationally.

The course of study is based on a multi- and cross-disciplinary model of critical exploration and analysis. At whatever level of postgraduate study entered, a key factor in the development of any artistic endeavour is the ability to find an individual approach to creative research.

The curriculum is based on the ability to develop a sophisticated engagement in dialogue, focused on the ability to respond to the context within which it is created and circulated. To this end, the international faculty from North America, Europe and Australasia have designed a programme of study that reflects several tested learning models responding to the present demands of the field of contemporary cultural inquiry.

The College seeks students who are serious and engaged art practitioners, with the aim of producing confident, critically-informed and independent graduates of the highest quality.

There are potentially various trajectories through postgraduate study in fine art, dependent on an applicant's prior study and particular level and quality of work. The College offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts (PGDip FA). The postgraduate faculty is well versed in painting, sculpture, photography, film and video, sound, installation, site-specific and public works, curatorial practices, critical writing and performance.

Fine Arts Postgraduate Application Info (Pdf)
Fine Arts Postgraduate Programme Info (Pdf)