Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours)
Visual Arts
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Develop advanced research and studio practice skills in the visual arts, culminating in a critically engaged body of work and research paper.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Develop a critically engaged studio practice
Produce a body of creative work in the visual arts that demonstrates advanced conceptual, technical, and critical engagement.
Produce a substantial research paper
Complete a research essay (up to 5,000 words) which contextualises and supports your studio work within contemporary theory and practice.
Engage in reflective and critical discussion
Participate in seminars, critiques, and group discussions to enhance your understanding and articulation of visual arts practice.
What You're Signing Up For
Ideal for passionate artists seeking to refine their studio and research skills, the Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours) enables you to produce a body of critically engaged work supported by a substantial research paper. This Level 8 qualification provides individual supervision and access to outstanding workshops and facilities. You will explore contemporary visual arts thinking through a proposal-based project, supported by studio and theory supervisors, as well as a visiting artists programme and group work opportunities. The programme finishes with a graduate exhibition and research essay. Graduates are well equipped for roles in the arts sector or for progressing to master's level study.
Course Content
- Proposal-based critically engaged studio work
- Extended research essay (up to 5,000 words)
- Group work: seminars, critiques, research workshops
- Supervision from studio and theory supervisors
- Access to specialised workshop facilities
- Opportunities for collaboration across disciplines
- Regular visiting artists and designers programme
- Exhibition experience in public and private settings
- Semester One: Studio Project Part One (60 credits)
- Semester Two: Studio Project Part Two (60 credits)
What you need to know first
Bachelor of Visual Arts (Level 7) or equivalent bachelor's level qualification with B (70%) or higher in final year studio and essay papers
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Visual Arts
Creative Arts
Future employment opportunities might be
Practising artist
Curatorial work
Teaching in art education
Arts management
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.