ANDREW (Australian): Hello,
I’ve stopped by because I have some questions about applying to the graduate
painting program here at the University of Christ Church in New Zealand.
ASSISTANT (New Zealand): I’d
be happy to help you with that. Now, are you currently a student here?
ANDREW: Yeah, I’m
graduating next year as an undergraduate. I’d like to apply for the Master of
Fine Arts program but I’m not sure how the program is setup.
ASSISTANT: Sure.
First of all, the program is studio-based. What that means is there are not
many formal lectures. Most of the time is used for creating new work.
ANDREW: What are the
requirements for completing the degree?
ASSISTANT: There
are three requirements to graduate. The first one is a major critical paper due
at the end of the program. This paper must use primary sources and be at least
50 pages in length. The second one is a portfolio of work you created while you
were enrolled in the program. So, any new paintings you created would be in the
portfolio. Finally, there is an oral exam. Typically, the oral examinations are
60 minutes, and consist of questions about your paintings and your critical
paper.
ANDREW: Is there a minimum number of
paintings that must be created for the portfolio?
ASSISTANT: No,
not officially. But, we expect that your work demonstrates a two-year effort on
your part.
ANDREW: So the program is
two years long?
ASSISTANT: Yes,
it is two years long.
ANDREW: What classes would
I have to take?
ASSISTANT: Students
enrolled in the painting program must participate in weekly workshops.
ANDREW: What are those?
ASSISTANT: Workshops
meet once a week. They are opportunities for the students to critique each
other’s work.
ANDREW: OK. So, where are
the studios located?
ASSISTANT: We
have an art building that consists of two show rooms and two floors of artist
studios. The first year students use the smaller studios on the 2nd floor. The second year students use the
larger studios on the first floor. The show rooms are used for displays of
student art work.
ANDREW: Well, I’m really
excited about the program. What do I have to do to apply?
ASSISTANT: We’ll
need a few things from you. The most important part of your application is the
sample of your work.
ANDREW: You mean my
paintings?
ASSISTANT: Yes.
You’ll need to submit photos of them. If you’re selected for an interview, then
the faculty will want to see the actual paintings and you’ll be required to
bring them in.
ANDREW: How many faculty
are there?
ASSISTANT: Right
now, we have three full-time faculty and one visiting professor. The visiting
professor is a painter from the United States.
ANDREW: How many paintings
do I need to submit for my application?
ASSISTANT: Three
to five.
ANDREW: Is that all I need
to do?
ASSISTANT: No.
We also want a completed application plus the $75.00 fee. We also need a 3-5
page personal statement that explains why you want to enroll in the MFA
program.
ANDREW: When is all of this
due?
ASSISTANT: The
deadline is February 1st. We have all of
the application requirements up on our website. You may apply electronically
and just send electronic files for your work sample.
ANDREW: How much does the
program cost?
ASSISTANT: We
offer a complete funding package for all of our students. Each year we admit
five new students. So, the program is small. We require all of our students to
teach one undergraduate art class. It’s called Basic Drawing, and it only meets
twice a week. All of your tuition will be paid, and we supply each student with
a $1200.00 stipend every month for basic living expenses.
ANDREW: Wow, that sounds great. Thanks
for all of the information. I’m definitely going to apply.
ASSISTANT: It’s
my pleasure. Good luck and be sure to contact us if you have any other
questions.