Presbyterian College

What you'll study

This programme combines sustained studio practice with contextual study in art history and contemporary arts theory. Across the course you will develop technical and conceptual skills in a range of media while building a professional portfolio and preparing for public presentation of your work.

• Core studio courses: drawing, life drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking and introductory 2D/3D design.
• Contemporary and historical studies: surveys in art history, contemporary art theory and critical methods that situate studio work in broader cultural contexts.
• Digital and hybrid media: digital imaging, introductory time-based media and courses that explore the intersection of analogue and digital production.
• Professional practice: portfolio development, exhibition design, arts marketing, and courses that focus on ethics and business skills for artists.
• Experiential learning: studio critiques, internships with local galleries or arts organisations, community arts projects and a senior capstone culminating in a public senior exhibition.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: opportunities to take complementary courses across the liberal arts curriculum, or to minor in related fields such as art history, theatre, media studies or education.

Programme structure

The degree is structured to progress from foundation studio courses in the first year through increasingly specialised electives and independent study. Upper-level students undertake sustained projects, independent research or an honours-equivalent capstone, supported by regular critiques and faculty mentorship.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admission emphasises a combination of academic readiness and creative potential; candidates are typically required to submit a portfolio of recent artwork that demonstrates observational skill, creativity and technical development. Presbyterian College also considers letters of recommendation, a personal statement about artistic aims, and any relevant extracurricular or community arts experience. Transfer students should provide college transcripts and examples of college-level work. International applicants must demonstrate equivalent academic qualifications and proficiency in English.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of creative and arts-related careers or further study. Common pathways include:

• Professional artist—studio practice, public art and freelance commissions.
• Exhibition and gallery work—preparation and installation, curation assistance and gallery management.
• Museum and collections roles—education, collections care and interpretation (additional museum-specific training may be required).
• Arts administration and community arts—programme coordination, outreach and nonprofit work.
• Design and digital media—entry-level roles in visual communication, digital imaging and multimedia (often supported by elective or continuing technical training).
• Teaching—graduates may pursue teacher certification to teach visual arts in schools or lead community arts education.
• Further study—many alumni go on to graduate programmes in studio art, art education, museum studies or related fields.

Why study at Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College offers a small-college environment with close faculty mentorship and accessible studio space, allowing students sustained one-to-one critique and project supervision. The programme emphasises both traditional craft and contemporary approaches, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration across the liberal arts. Students benefit from opportunities to exhibit work on campus and in the region, engage in internships with local cultural organisations, and develop a professional portfolio through a structured senior exhibition. The college’s commitment to personalised advising and experiential learning supports students pursuing careers in the arts or further academic study.