7 Fine Arts and Illustration Masters Degree Programs in New Zealand

Whitecliffe Master of Fine Arts students are enrolled in Auckland's only low residency postgraduate visual arts programme. They experience intelligent debate, rigorous critique, and high quality encounters with exceptional artists from New Zealand and overseas, graduating with the skills to become leaders in their chosen field.

Advance your film-making, music or theatre skills to prepare for a rewarding career in the creative industries. Hone your leadership, collaborative, creative, and business skills as a practising artist over an intensive 12-month programme. Our Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) is an industry-focused, practical degree that will help you build new contacts and networks in Wellington’s creative industries.

The Master of Fine Arts MFA has a strong collective philosophy. By bringing together students from design and fine arts, the MFA fosters intense conversations and exploration. Choose whether you want to graduate with an MFA in design, in fine arts or without endorsement if you believe your work cannot be framed in terms of either discipline.

The Master of Arts involves advanced study in an Arts subject and is intended for those who want to deepen their knowledge of that subject. The degree also includes a substantial component of independent research. The Master of Arts may be taken within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Maori and Indigenous Studies.

Master of Arts Studying the disciplines of the humanities and social sciences is transformative. More than ever, the world needs people who can thrive in an ever-changing global environment and who are able to effectively challenge and critique new ideas. Advancing your study to master’s level will further enhance your communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills so you emerge and thrive as a leader in your field.

Delivery of the Master of Professional Creative Practice | Te Hono ki Toi (Poutiriao) is “blended” – that is, it is a combination of online study, wānanga and research by creative practice. You may be “based” at either IDEAschool in Hawke’s Bay or Toihoukura in Tairāwhiti but will have opportunities to engage with staff and students based at both schools and students who may be practicing throughout Aotearoa and indeed the world.

The Master of Design Technology (MDT) is an innovative programme where you can learn from world-leading professionals teaching in VFX, game design, animation, 3D motion graphics, and multimedia design. In this intensive one-year, full-time programme, you’ll produce a professional portfolio in your chosen focus of study as well as doing coursework.