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Bachelor of Fine Arts

  • Bachelor

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a prestigious degree that will give you a broad knowledge in visual arts, multimedia, and design before you specialise in one studio area.The four-year degree is based within purpose-built facilities and students enjoy being part of a supportive community of...

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
4 years full-time
Course Code
BFA
Domestic Fees
$7,139 per year / $28,556 total
International Fees
$34,425 per year / $137,700 total

About this course

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a prestigious degree that will give you a broad knowledge in visual arts, multimedia, and design before you specialise in one studio area.

The four-year degree is based within purpose-built facilities and students enjoy being part of a supportive community of practitioners.

Entry requirements

To apply for admission to the Intermediate Year (first year) of the BFA, you need to have met University Entrance requirements, and achieved NCEA Level 3 Visual Arts in one or more subjects (or the equivalent in other secondary school qualifications).

It is also recommended that you have at least 14 credits in each of two other NCEA Level 3 subjects (or equivalent) that are not practical art subjects.

All applicants also need to submit an application form, a letter of introduction, and a portfolio of work.

How to apply

Entry to the first year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts is limited. Send your application materials to the School of Fine Arts Reception by 15 November:

  • the Application for Fine Arts Intermediate course form
  • a letter of introduction
  • a portfolio of work, including a written statement.

You are encouraged to apply as early as possible, and to visit Te Kura Kowaiwai | Ilam School of Fine Arts before making your application. You should expect to be advised of acceptance by the end of November.

One a case-by-case basis, we may accept late applications. Please contact the Fine Arts Administrator at creativeartsadmin@canterbury.ac.nz.

Portfolio of work

Your application should include a portfolio of recently completed art and/or design work.

The portfolio must include 12 examples of work from NCEA (or equivalent) practical arts subjects. The format should be in colour and can be submitted in an A4 or A3 folder or as a single file PDF either on a USB drive, attached to an email, or shared via a reputable file sharing service (eg, weTransfer or Dropbox).

This is your opportunity to demonstrate:

  • your competency and ability in artmaking
    - so please make sure you include your best work. We also need to see aspects of your methodology; examples of preliminary sketches are important here.
  • your best possible presentation of work
    . There are a number of formatting requirements for the supply of your work portfolio - please see the application form for details.
  • your ability to express your thinking in a written statement.
    This is your chance to demonstrate a critical understanding of how the work operates, the decisions you made, and what you are trying to address through your work.

For more information on the application process for the Intermediate Year, go to

Te Kura Kowaiwai | Ilam School of Fine Arts website.

Study locations

Main Campus

Career pathways

  • Showcase your work during the year through exhibitions and community projects.
  • Gain creative and practical skills in your chosen specialisation as well as organisational and time management skills.
  • Graduates are working as professional artists, art gallery directors, photojournalists, art historians, consultants, and more.

Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.