Te Hono ki Toi (Poutiriao / Poutiritāeo) | Master of Professional Creative Practice

To see the most relevant information, please let us know if you are an international student.

Are you an International Student?

To see the most relevant information, please let us know if you are an international student.

The Master of Professional Creative Practice is a transformative journey for artists, designers, creative practitioners and thinkers ready to elevate their craft and impact. Rooted in real-world practice and guided by expert mentorship, this programme empowers you to deepen your creative voice, expand your professional horizons, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural and creative industries. Whether you’re refining your artistic identity, launching a new creative venture, or seeking to lead innovation in your field, this master’s programme offers the space, support, and challenge to help you thrive. Join a vibrant community of makers and visionaries, and shape the future of creative practice, your way.

The Master of Professional Creative Practice is a transformative journey for artists, designers, creative practitioners and thinkers ready to elevate their craft and impact. Rooted in real-world practice and guided by expert mentorship, this programme empowers you to deepen your creative voice, expand your professional horizons, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural and creative industries. Whether you’re refining your artistic identity, launching a new creative venture, or seeking to lead innovation in your field, this master’s programme offers the space, support, and challenge to help you thrive. Join a vibrant community of makers and visionaries, and shape the future of creative practice, your way.

Programme Outline

Delivery of Te Hono ki Toi (Poutiriao / Poutiritāeo) is “blended”, meaning it is a combination of online study, wānanga and research by creative practice.

You will have opportunities to engage with staff and students based at both Toihoukura and IDEAschool in Hawke’s Bay, as well as students who may be practicing throughout Aotearoa and indeed the world..

Te Hono ki Toi (Poutiriao) is a Level 9 programme of 180 credits and Te Hono ki Toi (Poutiritāeo) is a Level 9 programme with 240 credits. Both offer full-time study for up to two years. The programme consists of four compulsory courses that provide you with the opportunity to create a body of creative work to a standard that develops, extends and refines prior professional practices, processes and knowledge.

This will be done through research and critical evaluation to strengthen your creative practice while contextualizing your practice in relation to relevant communities, contemporary concepts, models theory, technologies and professional practice management techniques.

Please note: It takes 18 months to do Te Hono ki Toi (Poutiriao) 180 credit programme after completing a Bachelor’s degree in a creative practice or 6 months (60 credits) to do this programme after completing an Honours Bachelor’s degree in a creative arts field. It takes 24 months to do Te Hono ki Toi (Poutiritāeo) 240 credit programme after completing a Bachelor’s degree in a creative practice or 12 months (120 credits) to do this programme after completing an Honours Bachelor’s degree in a creative arts field.

Entry Requirements

  • A NZQF-listed Bachelor’s or higher level degree (or equivalent) in a creative practice field with a minimum of the equivalent to a B- average across the final year of study as per the EIT specified 11-point achievement-based grading system; or
  • In the absence of the above, provisional admission on the basis of an evaluation of a portfolio of work; or
  • At the discretion of EIT where an applicant’s situation is compelling but not covered by the requirements listed above.
  • All applicants will need to submit an expression of interest that highlights their proposed area of focus and examples of previous creative practice. Guidelines for the format of the EOI will be supplied after an application is received or by request.
  • Prospective students will then be required to attend an interview.

Māori/English Language Entry Requirements

Applicants will need to demonstrate fluency, at a level sufficient to academically succeed in the course, in either Te Reo Māori or English.

Applicants who have the language fluency to support it may complete their assessments in Te Reo Māori.

Applicants from countries in which English is not a primary spoken language, who propose to complete their assessments in English, must have an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to enrolment in the programme. This may be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction, completion of a New Zealand Certificate in English language (Level 4 Academic), approved scores on IELTS tests (6.0 Academic with no band score lower than 5.5), or completion of either an EIT assessment or accepted international equivalents.

Standard discretionary entrance guidelines will apply.

Entry with Credit

Applicants may be admitted with credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

The Postgraduate Programmes Cluster Committee shall have discretion in the granting of academic credit.

For more information on entry with credit please contact Natalie Blackwood, Programme Administrator IDEAschool, on 06 830 1112, nblackwood@eit.ac.nz or Emma Marino, Programme Administrator Toihoukura, on 06 869 0847 or emarino@eit.ac.nz.

How to Enrol

Step 1 – Check entry requirements

Make sure you have read and understood the entry requirements for your situation and background.

Entry requirements can be different for domestic and international students.

Step 2 – Confirm campus and check key dates

The next intake date(s) for your chosen course and campus are listed in the Course Details panel on this page.

Dates can vary between campuses, so make sure you have selected the campus you wish to study at.

Step 3 – Confirm fees and costs

Visit https://www.eit.ac.nz/fees/ to see the fees for this programme.

Step 4 – Complete any supporting forms

If your course requires any supporting forms, they will be listed below under ‘Supporting Documentation’

Step 5 – Submit your application

You’ll need an up-to-date email address to start your online application.

You’ll also need to know what you want to study – your degree or programme and majors and/or minors, and the courses you plan to take.

You may be asked to submit supporting documentation with your application.

Programme Outline

Delivery of Te Hono ki Toi (Poutiriao / Poutiritāeo) is “blended”, meaning it is a combination of online study, wānanga and research by creative practice.

You will have opportunities to engage with staff and students based at both Toihoukura and IDEAschool in Hawke’s Bay, as well as students who may be practicing throughout Aotearoa and indeed the world.

Te Hono ki Toi (Poutiriao) is a Level 9 programme of 180 credits. The programme consists of four compulsory courses that provide you with the opportunity to create a body of creative work to a standard that develops, extends and refines prior professional practices, processes and knowledge.

This will be done through research and critical evaluation to strengthen your creative practice while contextualizing your practice in relation to relevant communities, contemporary concepts, models theory, technologies and professional practice management techniques.

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

  • An undergraduate degree in a creative practice field with a minimum of a B- average in the final year of study.

English Language Entry Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. For international students, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:

  • The minimum IELTS score required for entry is 6.5 in all academic bands or accepted international equivalents
  • International equivalents to IELTS accepted by NZQA or successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply).

Further information about NZQA English language entry requirements for international students can be found at www2.nzqa.govt.nz/tertiary/english-language-entry-requirements-for-international-students/

How to Apply

Ready to apply? It’s easy!

Complete and sign our international student application form at eit.ac.nz/apply-online-international/

  • Indicate which programme you intend to study.
  • Attach a verified copy of your birth certificate or passport to use as identification.
  • Remember to include all other supporting documents.
  • We will assess your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible, usually within three to five working days.

On-campus study in New Zealand

Step 1 – Pay your fees

  • After submitting your application, you will receive an Offer of Place letter by email with details of your tuition and other fees payable.
    Please note: If you have applied using the services of an agent, a copy of this information will also be sent to your agent.
  • Pay your fees and apply for your student visa.
  • We will send you a receipt, which you will need when you apply for your student visa.

We recommend you apply at least 12 weeks before your intended start date. You can apply online at www.immigration.govt.nz
If you have any questions about the process, contact your agent or email visas@eit.ac.nz

Step 2 – Prepare to come to New Zealand

Book your flights

When your student visa is approved, book your flights and ensure you meet all government-mandated entry requirements to come to New Zealand. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for the most up-to-date information.

Organise your accommodation

If you haven’t already organised your accommodation, you should now decide which of the accommodation options is most suitable for you. You can find our more about our EIT accommodation options here.

Step 3 – Connect with us

  • Be sure to complete and submit the arrival form sent to you by the International Student Support Officer.
  • Your International Student Support Officer will contact you prior to the start of your programme to let you know what you need to do and keep you up to date on what to expect when you arrive.

Online study

Step 1 – Enrol

  • After submitting your application, you will receive your acceptance into the programme by email alongside instructions on how to enrol.
  • Complete and sign the enrolment form provided to you by our Admissions Team and send it back to internationalapplications@eit.ac.nz
    Please note: If you have applied using the services of an agent, a copy of this information will also be sent to your agent.

Step 2 – Choose your courses and pay your Fees

  • Your course selection form will be sent to you by our team.
  • After completing your course selection form, you will be sent an invoice. You can then pay your fees by bank transfer to EIT’s account. Full account details and payment information will be provided on your invoice.

Step 3 – Connect with us

Your International Student Support Officer will contact you after you enrol to keep you up-to-date with anything you need to know, including details about your Orientation, where you will meet your classmates and all about studying at EIT.

Whether you join us on-campus or online, we welcome you to the EIT student community!

If you need any help you can contact our friendly staff at international@eit.ac.nz

Advance your creative career

Te Hono ki Toi (Poutiriao / Poutiritāeo) | Master of Professional Creative Practice offers a unique perspective from both the European and Māori creative culture allowing a wide selection of media to be advanced. The programme enables you to further your creative practice through guided reflection, research and professional practice.

Toihoukura offer Te Hono ki Toi (Poutiriao / Poutiritāeo) with a specific matauranga Māori focus. The programme is delivered online, through compulsory wānanga, and face-to-face.

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Disability Support

Support is available for students with physical, sensory, intellectual, and learning disabilities (including dyslexia, dyspraxia and other neurodiversity) and mental health conditions. Support is designed to provide equitable opportunities and is available to all students with permanent or temporary disabilities or health conditions, including when recovering from injury or surgery. Services are available depending upon your needs and range from information and advice to technology solutions and alternative arrangements for test and exams. Our disability peer support group Te Rōpu Āwhina meets regularly on the Hawke’s Bay Campus to share kai, connection and wellbeing.

For more help please email Desley Aranui daranui@eit.ac.nz

Wellbeing Support

Wellbeing support is available to all students. We can help you to identify your goals, support your needs, and connect you with appropriate support on and off campus. We use Te Whare Tapa Whā as our guiding model for holistic support and connectedness.

We have a Rainbow Diversity peer support group Te Roopu Āniwaniwa on the Hawke’s Bay Campus, as well as wellbeing
drop ins and workshops to support you to maintain and improve your wellbeing.

For more information contact Barbara West bwest@eit.ac.nz

Māori and Pasifika Support

You can get advice, mentoring and support for cultural needs and values, te reo Māori, waiata and tikanga, scholarships, iwi and hapū registrations and grants.

Our Pasifika student support team aims to create a trusting and culturally inviting space for students to feel supported and thrive in their education journey. Our team is passionate and dedicated to removing barriers to learning by working with students and their aiga and staff in ensuring diversity and equity is met. We support students with studylink, tutor support, wraparound support and mentoring, cultural competency and much more.

For more information contact:

Pasifika
Valencia Taurima Heperi 
VTaurimaHeperi@eit.ac.nz

Māori pastoral care
Kaihoe Apiata
KApiata@eit.ac.nz

Māori Academic
Opal Horsefield Te Aho
OHorsefieldTeAho@eit.ac.nz

 

Academic Learning Services

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more email Heather Pilbeam hpilbeam@eit.ac.nz

Scholarships

EIT offers a variety of scholarships across various subjects and programme levels.  Some scholarships are based on your age, some are specific to the subject you want to study.  Not all scholarships are based on your academic ability and anyone wanting to study should investigate what scholarships are available to them.  

You can find a list of EIT scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally.  Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible here, at EIT or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.

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International Student Support

Our International Student Support Officers are here to support you every step of the way. Providing you with the one-to-one help, advice, information and guidance you need to succeed. 

Find out more about our International Student Support Services below:

Auckland Campus
Hawke’s Bay Campus

Academic Services

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more:

Learning Support Services

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