UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY · NEW ZEALAND
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 5 specialist studio areasAreas of Study
- Intermediate year introductionProgram Structure
- Develop critical and theoretical understandingAcademic Focus
- Practice-based investigationsLearning Approach
The University of Canterbury (UC) offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree designed to introduce you to a broad range of artistic practices. The first year is an intermediate stage focusing on workshops across five specialist studio areas. To progress to advanced studio courses, you must successfully complete FINA103. The BFA includes a theoretical component in Art History and Theory, which explores historical, critical, theoretical, and philosophical approaches to visual arts. This component aims to enhance your analytical understanding of your own creative practice and improve your ability to articulate your ideas. Students should budget approximately $600 for equipment and materials in their first year.
Curriculum
The BFA program includes an intermediate year followed by specialist studio courses. Students will complete a total of 152 points outside of their studio studies. This includes 30 points of Art History and Theory in the first year, an additional 15 points at the 200 level by the end of their third year, and a further 22 points at the 200 level from the Faculty of Arts course schedule.
- Year 1 (Intermediate)
- Introduction to specialist studio areas
- Art History and TheoryFINA103
- Year 2 onwards (Specialist Studio Courses)
- Advanced PaintingPAIN201
- Advanced SculptureSCUL201
- Introduction to Moving Image
- Introduction to Photography
- Introduction to Graphic Design
- Art History and Theory (200 level)
- Other Faculty of Arts courses (200 level)
- Further studio and Faculty of Arts courses
Careers
Graduates of the BFA program develop a strong foundation in creative practice, critical thinking, and communication, preparing them for diverse career paths within the arts and related industries.
- Artist
- Graphic Designer
- Filmmaker
- Photographer
- Sculptor
- Curator
- Art Educator
- Creative Director
- Exhibition Designer
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the BFA program?
- You need to have successfully completed Year 12 or equivalent. You must also pass FINA103 in your intermediate year to progress to specialist studio courses.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- International tuition fees for this program are not specified here. Please refer to the University of Canterbury website for the most up-to-date information.
- How long does the BFA program take to complete?
- The BFA program includes an intermediate first year followed by specialist studio courses. The total credit points outside of studio studies are 152.
- What kind of careers can I pursue after graduating with a BFA?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Artist, Graphic Designer, Filmmaker, Photographer, Sculptor, Curator, Art Educator, Creative Director, or Exhibition Designer.
- How do I apply for the BFA program?
- You will need to submit an online application through the University of Canterbury's admissions portal and gather necessary documents, potentially including a portfolio. Specific requirements should be confirmed on the official UC admissions pages.
- Are there any scholarships available for BFA students?
- Yes, various scholarships are available, including the Manaaki NZ Scholarships, Pacific Community Scholarship, Graduate Women Canterbury (Inc.) Trust Board Scholarship, and general UC Scholarships. Some are merit-based, need-based, or equity-based.
Entry requirements
High School completionSuccessful completion of Year 12 or equivalent, including passing FINA103 in the intermediate year to progress to studio courses.
Specific entry requirements for international students may vary and should be confirmed with the university.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University of Canterbury website for current international tuition fees as they are not specified for this program.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University of Canterbury website for current domestic tuition fees as they are not specified for this program.
LivingStudents should budget approximately $600 NZD for equipment and materials in their first year.
Tuition fees are subject to change. Please check the official UC Fees page for the most up-to-date information.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and any English language proficiency requirements. For the BFA, successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent is generally required.
2. Prepare Your ApplicationGather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of identity, and any required portfolios or statements of intent, especially if applying for postgraduate study later.
3. Submit Your ApplicationComplete the online application form through the University of Canterbury's admissions portal.
4. Portfolio Review (if applicable)While not explicitly stated for undergraduate admission here, it's common for Fine Arts programs to require a portfolio. Confirm if this is needed for your application or for progression to studio courses.
5. Await Offer of PlaceOnce your application is processed, you will be notified of the outcome. Successful applicants will receive an Offer of Place.
6. Accept Offer and EnrolFollow the instructions to accept your offer and complete the enrolment process by the specified deadlines.
Scholarships
Gough MBA Leaders ScholarshipFinancial support
Graduate Women Canterbury (Inc.) Trust Board ScholarshipVaries
Pacific Community ScholarshipVaries
Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Postgraduate ScholarshipVaries
Manaaki NZ ScholarshipsFull scholarship
UC ScholarshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the BFA program?
+
You need to have successfully completed Year 12 or equivalent. You must also pass FINA103 in your intermediate year to progress to specialist studio courses.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
International tuition fees for this program are not specified here. Please refer to the University of Canterbury website for the most up-to-date information.
How long does the BFA program take to complete?
+
The BFA program includes an intermediate first year followed by specialist studio courses. The total credit points outside of studio studies are 152.
What kind of careers can I pursue after graduating with a BFA?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Artist, Graphic Designer, Filmmaker, Photographer, Sculptor, Curator, Art Educator, Creative Director, or Exhibition Designer.
How do I apply for the BFA program?
+
You will need to submit an online application through the University of Canterbury's admissions portal and gather necessary documents, potentially including a portfolio. Specific requirements should be confirmed on the official UC admissions pages.
Are there any scholarships available for BFA students?
+
Yes, various scholarships are available, including the Manaaki NZ Scholarships, Pacific Community Scholarship, Graduate Women Canterbury (Inc.) Trust Board Scholarship, and general UC Scholarships. Some are merit-based, need-based, or equity-based.