Photography, Sculpture and Moving-image Major – Bachelor of Visual Arts Te Tohu Paetahi mō Toi Ataata
Interested in photography, sculpture or moving image? Create a range of artworks using different media, ideas, techniques and technologies.
Learn in our wānanga/studio environment, and experiment with different methods and techniques, including studio lighting, digital scanning, film processing, darkroom/digital printing, video and still camera technology, sound, editing, moving-image and AI.
You’ll become familiar with photography, sculpture or moving image in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand but also discover global trends in the art world. Throughout your studies you can access AUT’s excellent art and design facilities to help you create your artworks.
Talk to us about your study options
Thinking about studying at AUT? Book a time with us to discuss your study options.
This is part of the Bachelor of Visual Arts Te Tohu Paetahi mō Toi Ataata.
Download programme guides
As a photography, sculpture and moving image student, you develop a variety of artworks using different media, ideas, techniques and technologies.
Year 1
In the first semester, you’ll study core courses that introduce you to fundamental visual arts principles and processes. You’ll focus on basic 2D and 3D media, materials and processes; visual language, contemporary and historical visual arts contexts, and the importance of mātauranga Māori.
In your second semester you’ll take your first photography, sculpture or moving image course where you can explore contemporary theories, concepts and techniques in our supportive wānanga/studio environment. You’ll also start your courses from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses.
Semester 1 courses
- VSAR504 Core Studio (30 points)
- VSAR505 Visual Arts Contexts (15 points)
- DIGD507 Mahitahi | Collaborative Practices (15 points)
Semester 1 courses
- VSAR507 Studio 1: Image and Object (30 points)
- Plus two courses* from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses
Year 2
You’ll further your understanding of photography, sculpture or moving image media. You’ll learn in our wānanga/studio environment where you’ll explore different materials, concepts and technologies, and contemporary visual arts theories.
Semester 1 courses
- VSAR610 Studio 2: Materials and Processes (30 points)
- Plus two courses* from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses
Semester 2 courses
- VSAR611 Studio 3: Photography, Sculpture and Moving-image (30 points)
- Plus two courses* from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses
Year 3
You’ll continue your exploration of photography, sculpture or moving image media processes, technologies and techniques, working in our collaborative wānanga/studio environment. In your final semester you apply what you’ve learnt in a practice-based project and further your understanding of what to expect from a career in the art industry.
Semester 1 courses
- VSAR709 Studio 4: Expanded Practice: Photography, Sculpture and Moving-image (30 points)
- Plus two courses* from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses
Semester 2 courses
- VSAR706 Integrated Visual Arts Practices (45 points)
- VSAR707 Professional Contexts (15 points)
*Two 15-point courses or one 30-point course.
Build your degree
Use our online tool to build your own degree and see what your three years of study could look like.
If you started your studies in the Bachelor of Visual Arts before 2024, the courses you need to complete are a little different. Find out what courses you need to take to complete your qualification if you started in 2023 or earlier.
Ready to enrol in your courses?
Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for more info on a specific course use our course search.
AUT visual arts alumni are now carving successful careers around the world, as notable artists, curators, arts administrators, academics, teachers and technicians.
Art industries
- Artist
- Arts administrator, manager or director
- Art consultant
- Art critic, historian, commentator, writer or researcher
Museums and galleries
- Art gallery manager or owner
- Curator
- Gallery technician
- Conservation
Arts education
- Teacher
- Community education
- Gallery educator
Creative technologies
- Film industry
- Commercial photographer
- Interactive designer
- Web designer
Community development
- Community and public art management and coordination
- Arts advocacy roles
Creative entrepreneur
- Craft business
- Art fair developers
Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.
Other majors in the Bachelor of Visual Arts Te Tohu Paetahi mō Toi Ataata
- Covers different photography, sculpture and moving-image methods
- Create a range of artworks in our supportive studio environment
- Access to outstanding visual arts facilities
- Option to include subjects from across AUT in your degree
- Visually creative
- A problem-solver
- A story-teller
- Innovative
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.