The four-year degree is based within purpose-built facilities and students enjoy being part of a supportive community of practitioners. The first year of the degree is called the Fine Arts Intermediate Year and comprises of three compulsory courses (90 points), as well as 30 points of 100-level Art History and Theory courses. The Bachelor of Fine Arts is a highly flexible degree, allowing studio practice in one area of Fine Arts, introductory courses in Art History and Theory, and courses from subjects within other degrees. On passing the Intermediate Year, students gain a place in one of their two preferred studio subjects. Your grades in the Intermediate Year will influence your choice of subject. In the second, third, and fourth years of the BFA, you will specialise in the one studio subject, and complete courses in Art History and Theory or Cinema Studies, and other subject areas. The degree takes 4 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 6 years.

To apply for admission to the Intermediate Year (first year) of the BFA directly from secondary school, you need to have met University Entrance requirements and: achieved NCEA Level 3 Visual Arts in one or more subjects; and at least 14 credits in each of two other NCEA Level 3 subjects (that are not practical art subjects) is also strongly recommended; or the equivalent standards in other secondary school qualifications. In addition to the application form, you should also provide a portfolio of recently completed art and/or design work. The portfolio must include 12 examples of work from NCEA (or equivalent) practical arts subjects. The format must be colour, laser printed, and stapled A4 photographs. English language requirements: IELTS: Academic with an average score of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; TOEFL iBT: Total minimum score of 80, with at least 19 in reading, writing and listening; TOEFL PBT: With a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; Pearson Test of English (Academic): PTE with an overall score of 50 and no PTE communicative skills score below 42.