Bachelor of Design (Visual Art)
Develop your voice as a visual artist.
Explore visual arts through drawing, printmaking, photography, three-dimensional work and digital processes. Studio projects encourage you to test materials, develop ideas and discover the approaches that best support your creative practice.
As your work progresses, you’ll consider cultural contexts, audiences, sites and the role of the body in art. You’ll also work on an industry or community brief, refine your professional portfolio and complete a substantial self-directed creative project.
Key features
- Creative freedom across disciplines: Choose electives from other specialisations to broaden your skills and creative perspective.
- Real-world creative experience: Complete industry or community-based projects that strengthen your confidence and work-readiness.
- Culturally grounded practice: Explore Te Tiriti and te ao Māori perspectives throughout your creative development.
- Broad studio experience: Experiment with drawing, printmaking, photography and three-dimensional practice before refining your direction.
What you'll learn
- Drawing across analogue and digital media
- Printmaking and reproductive image-making
- Analogue and digital photography
- Three-dimensional materials and processes
- Design principles and visual composition
- The human body in creative practice
- Site, scale and spatial context
- Hybrid and mixed-media approaches
- Practice-based research methods
- Visual arts in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Professional, ethical and business practice
- Portfolio development and presentation
University Entrance as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Open Pathway
OR a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
In addition you need to:
- Submit a portfolio demonstrating your art/design work with your application.
- Provide the additional requirements that are specified in the Bachelor of Design Additional Requirements Form.
Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry.
- This may include Recognition of Prior Learning. Contact Ara for advice.
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
- 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, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test 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.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
IELTS 6.0 Academic (no lower than 5.5 in any subtests).
Applicants who have achieved University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.
A selection process will take place for this programme. This will be assesed based on the portfolio provided with the application (including; working process, technique, composition, media and aesthetic).
Funding assistance
If you experience financial hardship during your studies, you may be eligible for funding, scholarships, and awards to help you continue your education.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
- Visual artist
- Freelance artist
- Self-employed creative practitioner
Study pathways
Pathways into this qualification
- New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4)
Study options after this qualification
Bachelor of Design (Visual Art)
Develop your voice as a visual artist.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Degree |
| Code | CH3756 |
| Next starts | February 2027 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| Credits | 360 |
| Level | 7 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Reference | CH3756-VISU |
Additional Entry Requirements
In addition you need to:
- Submit a portfolio demonstrating your art/design work with your application.
- Provide the additional requirements that are specified in the Bachelor of Design Additional Requirements Form.
Credit Recognition
Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.
Apply for credit recognitionDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 425 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 357 KB
- Bach Design Additional Requirements Form.pdf PDF, 90 KB
- Bach Design Portfolio Information - App Visual Arts PDF, 69 KB
Area of Interest
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