About Bachelor Of Design (applied Visual Art) in Ara Institute of Canterbury

Learn how to frame and develop creative ideas through hands-on interaction with a range of media and prepare yourself for independent art practice in a studio environment

Applied visual art aims to develop the student as an independent art practitioner or designer. Core skills taught include design strategies, drawing, printmaking and sculptural skills in a range of materials. In addition students will choose three courses from a range of electives, which will enable them to develop complementary skills in particular areas of interest.

As well as studio courses, students will complete a group of core courses in academic subjects. These include both professional and contextual studies, which will give them developed communication skills, a background in the history and sociology of creative practices, insights into contemporary professional ethics and some business skills.

Career opportunities

You will be well prepared to work within the wide and dynamic creative industries, either in companies or independently as a creative practitioner, craft cooperative designer, curator, gallery assistant, theatre/film/TV designer.

Our graduates work across areas like jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, illustration, fabric design and printing. They also take on design studio roles in a range of related industries including galleries, museums and theatres, or in art departments for film and television productions.

Study pathways

Graduates may choose to enrol in a wide range of programmes including postgraduate study:

• Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours) (Wintec)
• MFA (University of Canterbury)
• PGDipFA (Massey)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Art and Design (AUT) (Honours)

Recommended school subjects

• Design
• Photography
• Art
• Graphics
• English or English-rich subjects

Academic requirements

• • NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and
  • Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing and
  • Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

  OR

  New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4)

  OR

  New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)

  OR

  New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4)

  OR

  New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Media (Level 5)

  OR

  New Zealand Diploma in Digital Design (Level 5), or equivalent

  If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

   

Alternative requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

  If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

  Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace. Contact Ara for advice.

Additional requirements

• In addition you need to:

  • Provide a written statement. You are required to answer three set questions based on their portfolio and future aspirations.
  • Submit a portfolio demonstrating your art/design work with your application. The portfolio comprises up to 16 photographs of visual work including art, graphic or design work in any media, giving clear evidence of your ability to generate ideas and concepts towards a specific purpose. Drawing (process, descriptive or imaginative), composition, and technical skills will be given special consideration.
  • You may be required to attend an interview if there are any questions raised by your portfolio or written statement.

English requirements

• What if English is not my first language?

  If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.

  OR

  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the AraExamination Centre or in your home country.

  IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Ara Institute of Canterbury Tuition Fees

New Zealand Living Expenses

You'll require between $20,000 and $25,000 a year ($380–480 per week) for housing/rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment, in addition to your tuition and insurance fees. The average living expense will be the same for everyone, regardless of their tuition or course price. Please keep in mind that these are only suggestions; the Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year including return travel or an additional $2,000.