Suitable for both experienced practitioners and emerging artists, the DocFA involves both research and practice. You will be supervised by a committed team of professionally active, internationally recognised staff from Elam School of Fine Arts and, if appropriate, other schools/departments within the University of Auckland.

The DocFA is the highest-level university qualification in Fine Arts at the University of Auckland that is predominantly founded on studio-based practice. Like the PhD, it is expected to be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen field. Candidates work on advanced-level research in a manner relevant to medium-based or post-medium practices throughout the course of the degree.

Alternatively, we also offer the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Fine Arts with a creative practice component. If you wish to undertake a solely written thesis, then a PhD might be for you. For more information see or contact our academic department postgraduate advisors to discuss your options.

• Masters-level qualification in fine arts
• Level of training and ability necessary to undertake advanced doctoral study in fine arts creative practice and research