Te Kura Toi | School of Arts

Te Kura Toi School of Arts nurtures creative thinking, at work and at play, through innovation in teaching and research.

arts design and communication

Te Kura Toi School of Arts nurtures creative thinking, at work and at play, through innovation in teaching and research.  

The capacity to comprehend clearly, identify significant issues and articulate a creative response is essential in all areas of work. Employers value people who can demonstrate intellectual enquiry and creative practice — from stage performance and music, creative writing and multimedia production to linguistics and the languages.  

Why Study Arts?

Our graduates are valued for their creative problem solving, analytic capabilities, depth of understanding and practical skills. Through language, literature, screens, music, movement and performance, our students learn and apply the power of creativity. 

At Te Kura Toi School of Arts, you will develop your own artistic sensibility alongside sector-specific analytical and research experience, well-honed written and verbal communication skills, and a broad perspective on the world and its various cultures. 

We provide: 

  • Crucial skills across a range of contemporary context, 

  • Teaching that develops craft and competencies across many forms of creative expression in the creation of original content, 

  • Insights into everyday modes of communication, and 

  • Opportunities for exploring new cultures and languages competencies 

All of our subjects can be studied at Hons, Masters and PhD level. 

 

Writing

Sargeson Prize

Named for celebrated New Zealand writer Frank Sargeson, this prestegious Prize was conceived by writer Catherine Chidgey, who lectures in Writing Studies at the University. Entries are now open: limited to one per writer, per division.

Ben Brown

Writer In Residence

Dedicating the year to writing his first novel isn’t the only positive thing about being named the Kaipukahu University of Waikato Writer in Residence for 2024.

Catherine Chidgey Ockham

Nurturing the next generation of writers

Home to some of New Zealand’s best novelists, short story writers and children’s authors, the University of Waikato is ranked among the top 250 universities globally in English Language and Literature in the QS World University Rankings.

Facilities

theatrical performance

The New Place Theatre/Te Tapere Hou is a teaching and rehearsal space used primarily by University of Waikato Theatre Studies students and staff.

gallagher

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Our people

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