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Massey University

Palmerston North , North Island, New Zealand ,New Zealand

Master of Fine Arts - Design

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) has a strong collective philosophy. By bringing together students from design and fine arts, the MFA fosters intense conversations and exploration.

For designers and artists
Choose whether you want to graduate with an MFA in design, in fine arts or without endorsement if you believe your work cannot be framed in terms of either discipline.

We have had students join the programme whose undergraduate training is in fashion design, photography, textile design, industrial design, graphic design, fine arts and even music.

Internationally-recognised and unique in New Zealand
We have the largest number of internationally ranked researchers in visual art and design of any New Zealand university. All academic staff teaching into postgraduate programmes have significant research profiles.

The Massey MFA has been awarded ‘substantial equivalency’ status by the US National Association of Schools of Art and Design, putting it on a par with similar degrees from many leading US universities.

Rare in Australasia, the Massey MFA takes place over two years, offering you time to explore creatively, interrogate the fundamentals of your practice, and push your work in new directions. By the second year you will have a critically informed sense of who you are as a creative practitioner and carry that into your final thesis project.

Some of the things we value: lively debate, criticality, technical virtuosity; social engagement, challenge, metamorphosis and great kai.

Campus Information

Wellington campus

The Wellington campus is in New Zealand's capital city and is a great place to live. It is a compact city, set between a magnificent harbour and rolling green hills, where shops, exciting galleries and great restaurants are within easy walking distance. The Wellington Campus is centrally located near the city's artistic and entertainment quarters of Cuba Street and Courtenay Place in the heart of Wellington.

Intakes

  • Feb

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

MFA graduates go on to diverse careers in the private and public sectors, including design, technology, business, fine art, writing and education. A rigorous two-year MFA in design or fine arts is widely respected not only in North America but in countries in Asia, South and Central America and parts of Europe that look to the US model.

Further study
Extend your creative practice and research interests after your MFA with progressive work creating new knowledge with a PhD.

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Postgraduate academic entrance requirements

Masters, postgraduate diplomas and postgraduate certificates An appropriate undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution is required

  • IELTS- 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
  • TOEFL iBT- 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
  • PTE Academic- 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)