At Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts we provide a thriving, well-resourced and inspiring environment that fosters advanced independent and interdisciplinary research.
Our research explores the intersection of the creative arts and humanity, and our researchers are world class in their fields.
We excel across many disciplines and have the highest number of top-ranked researchers in design, visual art and craft in New Zealand.
Our researchers work with industry, professional groups, government and the cultural sector in New Zealand and internationally, offering a rich context and transformative experience for our postgraduate students.
For our 180-credit Master’s programs (Master of Design, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Screen Arts, and Master of Commercial Music), apply to study online through the Massey University website, and follow the application steps outlined below:
New Students: You'll receive a student ID number after applying.
Returning Students: Use your existing student ID.
Required Documents:
Verified copies of your academic transcripts (if your previous degree was not completed at Massey University).
Verified proof of ID and residency status.
Brief Research Statement:
Include your general area of interest, potential research question, project context, relevant resources/industry connections, and an example of past creative work with a brief explanation of its concept and process.
Use this template for guidance
A concise selection of your creative work that demonstrates the development of your ideas and their context.
Submit in PDF format with your online application (up to 20 pages). You may include live links to online repositories for audio and video content.
If unable to submit online, email a Dropbox or other file transfer link to creative.postgrad@massey.ac.nz.
Once we've received your complete application, you may be invited for an interview. Interviews typically last around 20 minutes and can be conducted either in person on campus or via Zoom.
During the interview, the panel will discuss the work you submitted and the research outlined in your statement.
This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the Master's program and studying at the College of Creative Arts.
You are welcome to bring a support person to the interview.
Applicants with a completed Honours qualification (or equivalent) and a minimum B+ GPA may be eligible for fast-track entry into the 120-credit Thesis component of the Master’s degree.
What you need to submit:
Instead of the standard Research Statement, you must submit a Research Proposal.
An interview is also required.
The Master of Māori Visual Arts (MMVA) offers two distinct pathways:
This is the full Master’s program, which takes you through both coursework and the thesis components, culminating in a 240-credit qualification.
Alternatively, you can begin with the 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts (PGDipMVA). After completing the PGDipMVA, you have the option to transition to the 120-credit MMVA thesis. This pathway allows you to complete a portion of the programme before deciding whether to continue into the full MMVA Master's degree.
At Massey University, PhD candidates conduct original research in areas such as design, fine arts, music, Māori visual arts, visual and material culture, or interdisciplinary fields. The goal is to contribute new knowledge through creative and academic outputs.
Candidates can choose one of two formats for their PhD thesis:
Creative Practice Thesis: A substantial creative project, with an academic written component (approx. 30,000 words).
Written Dissertation: A purely written thesis (80,000-100,000 words).
Both formats require original research that advances knowledge in your field.
Academic Background
You should have a Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., MFA, MSA, MDes, MMus, or equivalent).
Entry Requirements:
You must meet one of the following:
–A relevant degree with second class honours upper division (or B+ average), or
–A Master’s degree with Distinction or similar high grade.
English Language Proficiency:
International candidates need an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
Further information on requirements for PhD study
Submit your application online through the Massey University website:
PhD Application Portal
Your application must include the following:
Research Proposal:
A brief outline of your research interests and how your project will develop.
Guidelines for both practice-based and written PhD proposals, are provided to assist you.
CV & Qualifications:
A current CV and a summary of your academic qualifications.
Portfolio or Written Work:
For Creative Practice PhDs, include a portfolio of your current creative work (e.g., art or design practice).
For Written PhDs, include recent examples of your academic writing.
The Graduate Research School manages doctoral scholarships and degrees. For more information, visit Graduate Research School – PhDs and Professional Doctorates
After you submit your application, it will be reviewed by the College Doctoral Working Group, which includes Doctoral Coordinators from various fields. This group meets monthly to review and discuss applications.
PhD applicants to the College of Creative Arts do not need to contact a supervisor directly. The Doctoral Working Group will assign supervisors based on your research interests and faculty expertise and capacity.
For questions about international applications, please visit International Student Information.
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