Undergraduate
Our three-year Bachelor of Visual Arts takes you through an introduction to several artforms, a focus on the development of ideas through drawing, research and project design and a focused study in one studio area supported by art history and theory and a course in professional practices. At the completion of the degree you will have exhibited several times in the art school gallery, have sufficient experience to exhibit in a more public situation, and you will be familiar with the wider field of contemporary art. If you already have a relevant degree, the Graduate Diploma allows you to enter part-way through this process and complete a new major in a studio subject.
For an overview of the Bachelor of Visual Arts course outline please see this diagram.
Studio Disciplines
As New Zealand’s oldest public art school, we have a tradition of teaching excellence with the support of world-class facilities – ensuring that you reach your full potential. Teaching is across eight specific studio areas: Ceramics; Electronic arts; Jewellery and Metalsmithing; Print; Photography; Painting; Sculpture and Textiles
New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time over two years (you will study during semester one in both year one and two)
- Level 4
- Starts February
- Apply by end of January
Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication or Fashion) or the Bachelor of Visual Arts, or prepare for a junior role in a creative workplace. During this open entry programme, you'll develop your research skills, learn about creative processes and materials, and create your own art and design projects. Many students then move into our New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4) or the New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4) to gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study. Studying these Level 4 certificates could also lead to a negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time over two years (you will study during semester one in both year one and two)
- Level 4
- Starts 18 July 2022
- Apply by 30 June
Learn how to be creative on the computer! Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5), Bachelor of Design (Communication), or Bachelor of Visual Arts, or prepare for a junior role in a creative digital workplace. During this open entry programme, you'll develop your skills in graphic design, digital photography, web design, digital illustration, animation and interactivity. By studying the New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) before you do this programme, you'll gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study. Studying these Level 4 certificates could also lead to a negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5) - Ceramics programme
- Distance/online with practical classes in various locations
- 32 weeks full-time; two years part-time
- Level 5
- Starts February
- Apply until start date
Study ceramics with New Zealand's only specialised tertiary programme in Ceramic Arts. This programme has an emphasis on exploration and experimentation. You will develop individual projects which study ceramics as a medium with its own formal language, skills and history, within a broader context of fine arts and crafts.
New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5)
- Dunedin
- One year full-time; part-time not available
- Level 5
- Starts February
- Apply until start date
This hands-on programme covers all aspects of photography and video production and will provide you with the knowledge and skills required for any career in professional photography, video, moving image and related fields. It provides a perfect pathway to the Bachelor of Design (Communication) or Bachelor of Visual Arts.
New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6) - Ceramics programme
- Dunedin
- 32 weeks full-time; two years part-time
- Level 6
- Starts February
- Apply until start date
Building on the skills gained at Level 5, continue to explore ceramics and develop leadership and professional practice skills to manage projects/briefs and present your work in a real-world context. Progress into our Bachelor of Visual Arts to broaden your skill set and career opportunities.
New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6)
- Dunedin
- One year full-time; part-time not available
- Level 6
- Starts February
- Apply until start date
This commercially-focused programme will help you develop your photographic practice to a professional level. Whatever kind of career you want to have across professional photography, video or film – this programme will help you develop an industry-ready practice and portfolio, along with the specialised skills you need to succeed as a professional. You will work in workshops and on projects with live briefs and clients.
Bachelor of Visual Arts
- Dunedin School of Art
- Three years full-time
- Level 7
- Starts February
- Apply now
Translate your creativity into a career! A qualification in the Visual Arts will allow you to find employment in an exciting and diverse range of professions such as a practising artist, curator, art educator or researcher. A variety of roles within the digital and film industries would also be possible.
Graduate Diploma in Visual Arts
- Dunedin School of Art
- One year full-time; two years part-time
- Level 7
- Starts February and July
- Apply now
If you already hold a degree and would like to develop your fine arts skills, this programme offers you the chance to carry out an intensive course of study, tailored to suit your individual goals and requirements.
