The Degree of Master of Fine Arts – MFA

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher, or have the equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (i) (a) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(b) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

and

(ii) demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Programme Director that they have the necessary skills and experience to undertake this degree. This will normally require the submission of a portfolio and may require an interview.

3 Equivalence in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

5 A student admitted under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

7 A student admitted to this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Fine Arts Schedule.

8 A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses prior to enrolment in FINEARTS 779, 780 or 781.

9 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

10 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts.

11 This degree may be awarded with Honours, Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

12 a The research essay, research portfolio, studio, studio practice essay, or studio research essay is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The research essay, research portfolio, studio, studio practice essay, or studio research essay topic and/or mode of presentation must be approved by the Programme Director, no later than the end of week two of the first semester of enrolment.

c Examination of the research portfolio or studio through exhibition or performance shall be organised by the Programme Director in consultation with Faculty Academic Services, which will be no earlier than the last day of the twelfth week in the final semester of enrolment and no later than the last day of the final semester of enrolment.

d A student enrolled in the research portfolio must submit a digital copy of the written component to Faculty Academic Services.

13 A student enrolled in the research essay, research portfolio, studio, studio practice essay or studio research essay must complete the assessable outcomes for that course:

a by the date approved by the Programme Director which will be no earlier than the last day of the twelfth week in the final semester of enrolment and no later than the last day of the final semester of enrolment

or

b up to 12 months if enrolled full-time, or its equivalent part-time, after the student’s initial enrolment in the research essay, research portfolio, studio, studio practice essay, or studio research essay with the approval of the Programme Director.

14 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.