Visual Arts
Study Visual Arts at Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga and develop the practical and theoretical skills to produce artwork.
During your studies, you will learn to develop your art practice so that it is relevant to today’s society and both national and international contemporary practice.
Our focus on hands-on study with academic research makes our visual arts qualifications unique in New Zealand.
In our degree programme, you will study core art courses while gaining exposure to up to eight studio disciplines, including ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
This gives you an opportunity to explore your creativity and niche.
Study Visual Arts with us and you’ll learn at the renowned Dunedin School of Art. This is New Zealand’s oldest public art school, with a tradition of teaching excellence and a focus on developing your creativity for real-world employment.
Dunedin School of Art and its incredible facilities are celebrated for producing some of New Zealand’s most successful working artists.
Visual Arts qualifications
Art, Design
Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication), Bachelor of Design (Fashion), Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Visual Arts. A negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Architectural Studies may also be possible. This programme will also prepare you for a junior role in a creative workplace.Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Entry-level roles, Further tertiary study , Junior Designer
Art, Design
Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Visual Arts or Bachelor of Design (Product), or to prepare for junior level roles in the creative industries. This programme is a great option for learners who complete the six-month New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) which begins in February and wish to pursue further creative study in art and design starting in July.Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Junior level roles in creative industries
Art
Our Bachelor of Visual Arts will set you up for an exciting and diverse range of creative professions. During your first year, you will study core art courses, methodology, and art history. You will then choose a studio discipline to develop your talent in your chosen passion. The eight studio disciplines include ceramics, electronic arts, jewellery and metalsmithing, print, photography, painting, sculpture and textiles.Duration
3 Years Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Art Educator, Curator, Practicing Artist, Researcher
Art
Ideal if you want to develop research skills in studio and theory, or pursue further postgraduate study. By the end of the programme, you will produce a body of critically engaged studio work, supported by a conceptual research paper.Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Art Educator, Curator, Design Researcher, Practicing Artist
Art
If you already hold a degree and would like to develop your fine arts skills, this qualification offers you the chance to carry out an intensive course of study in your chosen discipline.Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Art Educator, Curator, Practicing Artist, Researcher
Art
If you want a taster of postgraduate study in visual arts, this programme is for you. You will develop studio work and write an essay on an aspect of related research methodology.Duration
6 Months Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Art Educator, Curator, Design Researcher, Practicing Artist
Art
The perfect opportunity to undertake practical and theory-based guided art research. Develop and display mastery of the professional, technical and conceptual skills through an original exhibition and associated writing. The Master of Visual Arts is a logical extension to this programme if you decide to continue your study journey.Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Art Educator, Curator, Design Researcher, Practicing Artist
Art
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.Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
On campus, Distance
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Art Educator, Design Researcher, Lead Designer , Practicing Artist
Art
This degree is suitable for you if you want to become a professional arts practitioner. You will carry out original research culminating with a public exhibition and dissertation.Duration
2 Years Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Art Educator, Curator, Design Researcher, Practicing Artist
Student stories
Discover the Dunedin School of Art
Get a taste of what it’s like to study this field at Otago Polytechnic:
- See all qualifications offered
- Meet your lecturers and find out what makes them leaders in their chosen area
- Hear about our latest news and events
- Learn first-hand what it’s like to study with us from real students and graduates
- Read about our postgraduate research and projects
Short courses
Develop new skills, refresh familiar ones, or simply enjoy doing what you love!
Contact us
If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.
