Course details

Summary

Left tertiary learning a while ago and keen to advance your study in art? Want to enhance your career prospects in the Arts industry and not sure how to make that happen?

Look no further! Embrace the opportunity to undertake practical and theory-based guided art research in a structured learning environment. A postgraduate qualification in the Visual Arts can lead to an exciting and diverse range of art professions, and the skills you develop are transferable to a wide variety of employment situations in education, or the arts industry and management. Perfect as a springboard into further postgraduate study, the Master of Visual Arts would be a logical extension to this qualification and may lead to higher level employment opportunities in the art and design sector.

With support and advice from highly experienced tutors, create a systematic and professionally-exhibited body of work, accompanied by two written texts that demonstrate your intellectual rigour and contemporary relevance. Benefit from Otago Polytechnic's nationally unique range of workshop facilities and the Dunedin School of Art's focus on individual supervision and student-centred learning, supported by an active community of artists to enhance professional development.

Skills required

• The ability to think laterally and independently.
• Motivation and a good work ethic.
• Confidence and the ability to accept criticism.
• Adaptability and open-mindedness.

You will study

This programme provides you with the opportunity to further develop your undergraduate experience of the history and contemporary conventions of your chosen field, within appropriate learning contexts at a postgraduate level.

Qualification structure

Semester one includes coursework on research methodologies with the completion of a 2,000 word essay relevant to a body of critically-engaged studio work.

Semester two builds on semester one leading to further development of the studio work and the completion of a 3,000 word essay on related contemporary practices.

Further study options

Step up into the next level of postgraduate study with the Master of Visual Arts or the Master of Fine Arts.

Your workload

You will participate in a weekly public seminar and postgraduate workshop (12.30-5.30pm) where you will have the chance to interact with your fellow students. A one hour weekly meeting with your supervisor(s) will also give you the opportunity to hone your ideas and seek specialist advice in a more intimate environment. The rest of your time will be spent in self-directed study in your studio alongside your postgraduate peers, producing the necessary work to successfully complete the qualification. The School provides around the clock access to its facilities, allowing you the flexibility to study alongside part-time employment or other commitments.

Entry criteria

Students must have completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts (level 7) or equivalent qualification at a bachelor's level, or any other undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.

Exceptional applicants not meeting the entry requirements but with appropriate documented professional experience may also be considered.

Selection for admission includes an interview. If you do not hold the above qualifications, you must demonstrate appropriate ability through a portfolio and associated writings which will be approved by the Postgraduate Admissions Committee.

International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet the entry requirements.

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score of 6.5, with no band score less than 6.0.