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.
NZ$9,322
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
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
About This Course
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
Entry Requirements
Five years completed at secondary school with successful art units and portfolio
OR NCEA Level 3 with 14 credits each in three NZQA approved subjects, 10 Literacy credits at Level 2, and 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1
Build towards these roles
Practising artistCuratorArt educatorResearcherRoles in digital and film industriesEmployment in education, design, management, or marketing
Build skills in these industries
Creative industriesVisual Arts
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.
