Bachelor of Visual Arts
The Bachelor of Visual Arts offers a faster movement into specialisation than is offered in the current Bachelor of Fine Arts. Students select from a range of subjects in their first semester and specialise in two of these in the second semester, moving to full specialisation in the second and third years. The earlier specialisation has been designed in response to student and applicant feedback.
In addition, the degree teaches students how to become independent creative makers, thinkers and active agents in a local, national and global context. Through directed and independent learning, students will develop technical, academic and personal skills enabling them to pursue careers as independent artists and researchers within the realm of the creative industries, have transferable skills that enable to them to work in areas further afield, and be prepared for a lifetime of further learning.
Please note: The Bachelor of Visual Arts*(BVA) has been developed to commence in 2009. Should the BVA not be approved in time for delivery in 2009, all applicants will be invited to enrol in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Students currently enrolled in Otago Polytechnic’s BFA will be invited to transfer into this programme at the end of their second year of study, completing the BVA in their third year. Students who do not wish to transfer will complete their BFA in four years as per usual.
Entry requirements
You must have completed five years of secondary education with 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or better in English, Art History or similar subject, or equivalent qualifications. To demonstrate appropriate ability in art and scholarship you will be required to submit a portfolio of your work.
Mature Students: Must be able to demonstrate appropriate ability in art and scholarship through the submission of a portfolio and appropriate skills in literacy through the presentation of associated material such as samples of the applicant’s own presentation of research.
International entry requirements
Must meet all stated entry requirements plus demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.0 (with no individual score less than 6.0)
Bridging options
Graduates of the Certificate in Creative Studies are welcome to apply for this programme.
Additonal documentation
Applicants must supply certified copies of proof of identity, academic records, proof of residency (where appropriate) and curriculum vitae.
Selection procedure
All applicant submissions are viewed by a panel of academic staff and applicants are accepted on merit based on an evaluation of a portfolio of art practice and evidence of academic skills. An interview may be required. Where the number of successful applicants exceeds places available, a waiting list will be kept and students are offered vacant places in waiting list order.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Experienced adult learners may apply for advanced standing through the submission of a portfolio with contextualisation that demonstrates their working process, or gain recognition of prior learning for some Art History and Theory courses.
Duration: Three Years (FT)
Location: Dunedin
Start Dates: February
Learning Options: Full-time, Part-time
Further study options: Master of Fine Arts
Domestic annual indicative fee: TBC
International annual indicative fee: TBC
Additional costs: Material costs in addition to those provided vary according to individual projects. As an indication, students may borrow up to $1000 in addition to their student allowance for programme-related costs.
Applications preferred by: September 30
View further information about this programme (PDF)
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