Admission
Entry requirements
An undergraduate qualification consisting of a bachelors degree in fine arts or an equivalent four year course with a B-pass average is the standard entry requirement. In the case of the undergraduate course having been a three year programme, candidates are required to have an A-pass average in their major subject. (In exceptional cases academic requirements may be waived.
Admission information
Admission is competitive as places are limited in this programme distinctive for its relative small size and attentive focus on each candidate's project. Applications by eligible candidates will be considered on individual merit. In this respect, an annotated portfolio and a research project proposal outlining studio and written components and the articulation of links between these are central to selection for admission.
te Reo Maori/English
Candidates who indicate this preference in their application may use te Reo Maori to write dissertations, to submit documentation and/or to present orally in studio practice. Otherwise only English is used within the programme.
Referee reports
Applicants should provide three referee reports from, for example, tutors; colleagues; or a head of school. These reports are confidential and should be sent directly to the Postgraduate Coordinator. Referees should state: name of applicant; name of referee; position of referee; contact details; how long they have known the applicant; and should provide any known information about the applicant’s capacity to complete a long-term project which requires independent work and the ability to work in a team. Each referee report should be signed and dated.
Annotated portfolio
About fifteen images of work (including images of installations where applicable) should be provided in 35mm slide format, on disc, videotape or website. Each image should be numbered and these numbers should correspond with those on an annotated list providing information as to title, date, size, materials and position within the applicant’s practice. Images should illustrate a range of work as well as development over a period of time. If available, attach copies of exhibition catalogues, reviews, articles or any other material relevant to work in the portfolio. (All reasonable care will be taken but Otago Polytechnic does not accept responsibility for damage or loss with regard to portfolio material).
Research project proposal
The research project proposal is an important part of an application and should reflect the applicant's previous and current practice. An introduction of approximately 500 words should provide a clear indication of the key areas of focus in an envisaged project which integrates studio and theory components.
Project title
- field(s) of research interest
- brief description of project
- outline of research questions and proposed methodologies
- annotated bibliography
- nominated supervisors (discuss with the MFA Programme Coordinator)
- approximately 1000 words should focus on the studio component of the project.
Include:
- summary of previous research and outputs related to the field(s) 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 700 words should focus on the written component of the project.
Please include:
- summary of theoretical/historical contexts relevant to your project
- indications of research approaches/methodologies you propose to adopt
- information on previous study and research related to your field(s) of interest
- links with the studio component of your project
plus (ie not included in the 700 words): annotated examples of writing (ie include examples plus notes on the style and context of the examples in relation to studio practice where possible.)
Materials/fees
Candidates are responsible for all material costs, and study fees for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are approx. NZ$6000 for a year of full-time study or NZ$3000 for a year of part-time study. (These fees are subject to change and applicants should check this with the Postgraduate Coordinator).
International student information
Applicants other than New Zealand citizens or permanent residents should request an international prospectus through the Postgraduate Coordinator or through the International Administrator of Otago Polytechnic at international
tekotago.ac.nz This prospectus contains information concerning the entry process for international applicants; international fees; English language requirements; qualification equivalents; and accommodation and services available. Staff working with international applicants are experienced and liaise closely with the MFA Otago.
Otago Polytechnic School of Art mission statement:
to provide innovative and professional tuition which encourages versatility and self-sufficiency in students and their pursuit of excellence in the visual arts.
Accreditation and monitoring:
The Master of Fine Arts Degree Programme at Otago Polytechnic School of Art was accredited by NZQA in 1998. Delegation of monitoring responsibility to the School of Art was granted by NZQA in 2002.
Certification:
NZ Qualifications Authority; Qualifications Code: OT4798; duration of programme two years full-time or four years part-time; gross weeks 52 per full-time year.