Master of Visual Arts
Deep dive into practical- and theory-based research through this advanced qualification. In semester one, you will develop studio work, an oral seminar paper and an essay for critical feedback. You will build on this work in semester two by producing an original exhibition and an extended 7,500-word essay.
Domestic
Distance
About the programme
Extend your art practice as you develop a deeper understanding through practical- and theory-based research.
This Master of Visual Arts qualification may lead to higher-level employment opportunities in the arts sector. Gain transferable skills that are highly valued in a huge variety of industries including education, art and design, arts management, editorial and curatorial practices.
Enjoy the chance to develop and present mastery of the professional, conceptual and technical skills relevant to your chosen field in the production of an original, independently-developed exhibition and associated writings. Choose to study at the Dunedin School of Art and enter into a lively and challenging environment where you will benefit from the nationally unique workshop facilities, a focus on individual supervision and the expertise of lecturers who have a diverse range of approaches and understandings in the Visual Arts and design.
You can choose to study at our Dunedin Campus or we offer a low residency option for students based outside Dunedin. Please contact the Postgraduate Coordinator for further information.
Studying part-time
We know that full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over two years.
International
Distance
About the programme
Extend your art practice as you develop a deeper understanding through practical- and theory-based research.
This Master of Visual Arts qualification may lead to higher-level employment opportunities in the arts sector. Gain transferable skills that are highly valued in a huge variety of industries including education, art and design, arts management, editorial and curatorial practices.
Enjoy the chance to develop and present mastery of the professional, conceptual and technical skills relevant to your chosen field in the production of an original, independently-developed exhibition and associated writings. Choose to study at the Dunedin School of Art and enter into a lively and challenging environment where you will benefit from the nationally unique workshop facilities, a focus on individual supervision and the expertise of lecturers who have a diverse range of approaches and understandings in the Visual Arts and design.
You can choose to study at our Dunedin Campus or we offer a low residency option for students based outside Dunedin. Please contact the Postgraduate Coordinator for further information.
Studying part-time
We know that full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over two years.
What You Study
Overview
Embrace the opportunity to further develop your skills, knowledge and experience of the history and contemporary conventions of your field. Produce a proposal-based body of critically engaged studio work, present this work in a public space and write a conceptual research paper contextualising the body of studio work produced.
Studio Practice
The Dunedin School of Art has eight areas of studio practice: Ceramics, Electronic Arts, Jewellery & Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Textiles. The School of Design has four specialist areas: Communication, Fashion, Interior and Product Design. You may evolve unexpected relationships between traditional subjects or create new syntheses from them. As the organisation of your programme is shaped by your own proposal and desired end result, this qualification may be completed in one discipline, or across several.
Supervision
A studio and a theory supervisor will be appointed for you. The Postgraduate Coordinator will help you to interface with staff and other students at the School of Art and the School of Design and with the arts community within Dunedin and elsewhere.
Group work
Regular studio critiques and more formal presentations of work during seminars and research workshops provide opportunities for feedback, discussion and debate.
Visiting artists and designers
An international visiting artists and designers programme feeds into your postgraduate studies and contributes to a community of practice, the currency of ideas and valuable contacts.
Studio space and facilities
You are allocated a studio space and have around the clock access to project-related facilities. The Dunedin School of Art has consistently focused on the development of excellence in the material aspects of art-making; it is now one of the best-equipped art schools in New Zealand and is fully supported by fine technical staff. The School of Design is recognised as being at the forefront of design education in New Zealand and features include the best-equipped advanced prototyping facility in Australasia.
Exhibition opportunities
Dunedin is a city with many exhibition facilities ranging from small informal galleries to large, public spaces like the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. A number of fine regional galleries offer further exhibition spaces.
The Dunedin School of Art has played a part in visual arts education since its establishment in 1870. It was the first in New Zealand and the world's southernmost school of art and, under the helm of Con Hutton followed by Gordon Tovey, it developed a legacy of academic excellence and artistic individuality. Over the years the school has attracted such students as Colin McCahon, Anne Hamblett, Doris Lusk and Lisa Walker; more recent graduates include Rachel Rakena who exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 2008 and Emma Bugden who became director of ArtSpace Auckland in 2008.
Individuals choose the Dunedin School of Art at Otago Polytechnic for its resource competitiveness, quality of teaching and supervision and its sense of community. Our points of difference are our interest in an integrated theory/studio learning environment and our ability to retain well-equipped workshops in all technical areas with appropriate technical support. Our position within a supportive Polytechnic enables this.
Our graduates work in all fields of art, often complementing their own practice with curatorial work, teaching, public art projects, design projects or work in the art access field. The skills they learn are transferable to a wide variety of employment situations.
Courses
In semester one, studio work is developed typically as an extension of work from the Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma of Visual Arts and includes the delivery of an oral seminar paper in the School's Public Research Seminar programme alongside an essay draft for critical feedback.
Semester two builds on the work done in semester one with the production of an independently developed and original exhibition and an extended 7,500-word essay.
| Semester one | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Practice 2A | 9 | 45 |
| Art Theory Part 1 | 9 | 12 |
| Semester two | Level | Credits |
| Studio Practice 2B | 9 | 45 |
| Art Theory Part 2 | 9 | 15 |
| Total | 120 |
Further study options
Transfer and upgrading to the first year of the Master of Fine Arts programme (two years full-time at Level 9) will be possible by portfolio, interview and research project proposal or by invitation of the postgraduate coordinator after the completion of the first semester review of the Master of Visual Arts. In this case, students forfeit the Master of Visual Arts as a formal qualification and work towards obtaining the Master of Fine Arts instead. Alternatively, choose to expand your career options further by pursuing a Doctor of Visual Arts (DVA) in New Zealand or overseas.
Workload
Your workload
You will participate in a weekly public seminar and postgraduate workshop (12.30 pm - 5.30 pm) 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
Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements
- A postgraduate visual arts qualification with a minimum of 60 credits at Level 8, with an overall grade of B (70%) or higher.
- You must submit an annotated portfolio, curriculum vitae and a project proposal, including an annotated bibliography. The portfolio must be no larger than 2MB. See further info in Your portfolio section below.
- 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.
- International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet the entry requirements.
We will be taking applications for a February 2023 start until 27 January 2023. Please submit all your materials by this date through the application portal.
Postgraduate interview dates
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for a list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Your portfolio
Research Project proposal
The research project proposal is an important part of your application and should reflect your previous and current practice.
An introduction of approximately 500 words should provide a clear indication of the key areas of focus in the proposed research project and should demonstrate integration of theory and studio practice. Please provide:
- Project title
- Field of research interest
- Brief description of project
- Outline of research questions and proposed methodologies
- Annotated bibliography, listing approximately 15 items
- Nominated supervisors (please discuss with the Postgraduate Coordinator).
Approximately 1000 words should focus on the studio component of the project. Please include:
- Summary of previous research and outputs related to the field of interest
- Statement of aims and a list of relevant studio areas
- Forecast of anticipated resources (facilities and materials)
- Information on training already undertaken or to be undertaken
- Refer to the annotated portfolio.
Approximately 300-500 words should focus on the written component of the project. Please include:
- Summary of theoretical/historical contexts relevant to your project
- Information on previous study and research related to your field(s) of interest
- Links with the studio component of your project
Annotated portfolio
You should provide approximately 15 images of work (including images of installations where applicable). Each image should be numbered and correspond with an annotated list including information as to title, date, size, materials and position within your practice. Images should illustrate a range of work as well as development over a period of time. If available, you should attach exhibition catalogues, reviews, articles or any other material relevant to your work.
Sending us your proposal and portfolio
- Please submit these digitally if you can.
- Please don't submit originals.
- If you have trouble uploading your documents digitally when you're applying online, please email student.administration@op.ac.nz
If you need to send us your documents in a physical format, please send them to:
Dunedin School of Art
Otago Polytechnic
Riego Street
Private Bag 9010, Dunedin
Please note: While all reasonable care will be taken, Otago Polytechnic does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of portfolio material.
Selection process
Selection for admission includes an interview.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
Material costs vary according to individual projects. As an indication, you may borrow up to $1,000 in addition to any student allowance for course-related costs.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Application
Application checklist
The items listed below should be completed and included in your application. You are welcome to seek assistance from the Postgraduate Coordinator.
- Certified copies of qualification certificates
- Academic record (from relevant institutions)
- Curriculum vitae
- Birth certificate and deed poll (if relevant)
- Annotated portfolio no larger than 15MB (five copies of annotated list)
- Research project proposal (five copies)
- Otago Polytechnic application form, preferably completed online
Contact details
Alexandra Kennedy, Postgraduate Programme Coordinator
Senior Lecturer: Professional Practices, Art History and Theory, Painting
Phone: 03 479 3741 / 0800 762 786
Email: alex.kennedy@op.ac.nz
Location: Room P203, Dunedin School of Art, Riego Street, Dunedin
