BA in Visual Art

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop students’ creative, imaginative and critical knowledge, skills and academic research capabilities to practice as artists within the domains of the visual-cultural industries, and/or to engage in postgraduate study in visual art. The degree programme will equip students with a thorough knowledge of visual art practices, discourses, theories and research methodologies. The programme facilitates the creation of meaning through art; research within art history and criticism; contemporary artistic production; civic agency; visual identity; and visual technologies. The programme will focus on creative and critical thinking according to ethical and professional standards, in order to explore experimental, transformative and inter-disciplinary approaches to the making, reception and analysis of art within pan-African and international contexts. In keeping with the University’s focus on promoting African scholarship, the BA (Visual Art) programme addresses the need for academically adept, discipline-sophisticated and civic-minded graduates who are able to respond to the challenges of visual culture in a globalized environment. The programme is accessible to students in the Faculty of Humanities who wish to study Art History and Theory up to third year level. The Department of Visual Art may recommend Visual Art students access to certain cognate modules offered in the Faculty of Humanities.

Career Opportunities

Visual Art graduates find work in diverse fields of the visual arts industries. In addition to being a professional artist, graduates could work, in art education and training, art gallery and museum curating and management, art consulting, arts writing, art criticism, research and journalism, printmaking and print studio management, paper making and paper production design, community and arts project management, visual events management.

Admission Requirements

A minimum APS of 23 with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics or 24 with Mathematical Literacy. English 4 (50%+), Additional Language 4 (50%+) and Mathematics or Technical Mathematics 3 (40%+) or Mathematical Literacy 4 (50%+)

Selection Process

Selection is based on academic merit of the candidate’s art portfolio, psychological maturity, and capacity to engage creatively with their internal world and external worlds. Candidates require a minimum of two years of Psychology. Applications are approved by the Departmental Committee comprising a panel of assessors from the Visual Art Departmental Committee and Art Psychotherapy specialist lecturers. Candidates will be interviewed and their portfolios assessed by the Visual Art Department’s Selection Committee panel. Candidates who are not accepted may request to receive feedback regarding their unsuccessful submission. Applicants who wish to specialise in Art Therapy are selected by means of an entrance assessment comprising the following: A personal portfolio that demonstrates an ability to engage reflectively with visual art, image making and design practices. An interview where candidates reflective practice will be assessed. A written motivation that demonstrates sufficient academic and research competency. Evidence of community engagement experience (recommended).

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