Massey University

What you'll study

The Honours year builds on undergraduate study to concentrate on a major independent project supported by coursework in research methods and contemporary critical theory. You will combine intensive studio practice with a written component and professional presentation of work. Typical study areas include painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, moving image, time-based media, performance, and new media.

• Major project: a sustained body of practical work culminating in a public exhibition or equivalent presentation, under supervisory guidance.
• Research thesis or exegesis: a substantial written or practice-led research component that situates your work within critical and historical contexts.
• Studio seminars and critiques: regular critique sessions, tutorial supervision and peer review to refine practice and conceptual clarity.
• Research methods: training in methodologies relevant to practice-led research, including archival research, practice-as-research, and ethical considerations.
• Professional practice: modules focused on exhibition-making, grant-writing, portfolio development, and strategies for engaging galleries, curators and communities.

Entry requirements

Admission is normally open to graduates who hold a Bachelor's degree in fine art or a closely related creative discipline. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic record and mature studio practice. Entry typically requires a portfolio of recent work, a research proposal or project outline, a current CV, and academic or professional references. In some cases an interview with teaching staff may be requested. International applicants should meet Massey Universitys general entry and English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates use the Honours year to consolidate professional pathways or to prepare for postgraduate research (for example, a Master of Fine Arts or PhD). Career outcomes include roles as practising professional artists, exhibiting artists, curators, gallery and museum professionals, arts managers and organisers, educators, art writers and cultural researchers. The programme supports entrepreneurial activity and freelancing, and develops skills transferable to creative industries, design, media and cultural policy roles.

Why study at Massey University

Masseys fine arts provision is research-led and delivered by staff who are active practitioners and researchers, offering close mentorship and a critical studio environment. The university provides well-equipped studios, specialist workshops and access to exhibition spaces where Honours students present their work publicly. Interdisciplinary connections across design, media and creative technologies enable experimentation and collaborative projects. Strong industry links, visiting artists' programmes and regional galleries help students build professional networks and transition into the art sector or further study.