Bachelor of Visual Arts
Visual Arts
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain comprehensive skills in visual arts with New Zealand’s most established school, covering art history, methodologies and studio specialisations such as ceramics, jewellery, textiles, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and photography.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 3 years
Core skills this course teaches
Develop technical and conceptual skills across a range of visual arts media
Gain experience and proficiency in studio disciplines including ceramics, jewellery and metalsmithing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles.
Apply critical thinking and research in the context of visual arts
Analyse, discuss, and contextualise art practice through engagement with art history, theory, and methodologies.
Become a creative and independent art practitioner
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Visual Arts at Otago Polytechnic prepares you for a diverse and creative career in the arts, giving you experience across seven studio disciplines before you specialise in your chosen area. Through hands-on studio practice supported by core courses in art history, theory, and professional methodologies, you’ll build technical, academic, and personal skills relevant to the creative sector. Graduates are equipped for professional practice as artists, educators, curators, or for roles in design, management, and the digital and film industries.
Course Content
- Studio Methodologies (Years 1-3)
- Art History and Theory (Years 1-3)
- Introduction to Studio Practices (Year 1)
- Studio Practice (Years 1-3)
- Studio Research (Year 3)
- Professional Methodologies (Year 3)
- Specialist studio disciplines: Ceramics, Jewellery and Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles
- Portfolio development
- Public exhibition in the final year
- Health and Safety in art practice
What you need to know first
Five years completed at secondary school with successful art units and portfolio
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Creative industries
Visual Arts
Education
Design
Digital and Film Industries
Future employment opportunities might be
Practising artist
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.