Programme Overview

A comprehensive programme for study in visual arts, this programme emphasises drawing and design in selected 2D and 3D media, such as painting, print making, jewellery, textiles, carving, digital media and whakairo.  

Option A –prepare for degree

This option is for those wishing to prepare to enter the degree programme who need to upgrade their skill base in a range of media. Students will work with a range of 2D and 3D media and complete a project.  At the successful completion of this certificate course the student may apply to enter the Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree programme.

Option B – practising artist

This option is for those who are independent practising artists and wish to explore deeper into their expression within a more formal structure, hone their practice with support of exceptionally knowledgeable tutors and access to specialist tools and facilities or obtain a formal qualification that recognises mastery of their art/craft. 

This option allows students to focus on a major project in their chosen medium.  Within the classes available you can focus on a wide scope of themes, materials and/or techniques:

• Applications in Textile Design Media
• Illustration (traditional and digital options)
• Small Object Sculpture (bone, stone, wood, metal)
• Design and Drawing
• Oil Painting
• Digital Imaging
• Jewellery Techniques

Option C – Graphic designer

This option is for those who want to pursue a career in Graphic Design. It is a practical entry level opportunity to learn drawing and design fundamentals, together with digital software skills. Modules are available in:

• Photography and Digital Imaging
• Digital Illustration

Option D – Whakairo

This full year part-time course gives students a basic understanding of whakairo (traditional Māori carving) and a better knowledge of things Taha Māori, using workshop practices, bandsaws, power tools, chainsaws, chisels, and health and safety practices. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the necessary knowledge, understanding and capabilities required for selecting, preparing and sculpting in two and three dimensional forms. This qualification may lead to higher education in related fields such as Māori studies, education, arts, craft and design as a whakairo practitioner and educator. Students explore:

• Whakairo (wood carving)
• Kōwhaiwhai (painting on wood)
• Taonga Pūoro (musical instruments)
• Wānanga (all day workshops)
• Toi, karakia, mihi (Māori arts, prayers and greetings)

Modules run Monday–Friday, 9.15am–4pm

NOTE:  There is a Graduate Diploma at Level 7 that is planned and will offer pathways for project work that might better suit some advanced Mastercraft students in the near future.