BA in Visual Art

Department of Visual Art, Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
Faculty: 
Department: Department of Visual Art
Programme Level: Undergraduate
Programme Name: BA in Visual Art
Programme Code: B8BA7Q
Medium of Facilitation:
NQF Level: 7
NQF Credits: 400
SAQA: 97904

Application Start Date: 
Application End Date: Apr 1, 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the BA (Visual Art) degree 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

Graduates could work in many areas of the visual art industries, including: Professional artist; Art education and training; Art gallery, museum curating and management; Art criticism, research and journalism; Art consulting;
Art writing; Printmaking and print studio management; Aspects of digital photography, video production and editing; Diverse digital and multimedia environments; Visual event management; General and graphic novel illustration;
Paper making and paper product design; Community and arts project management.

Curriculum

Admission Requirements

2022/10/31

Selection Process

"The following minimum admission requirements must be met: • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with university endorsement, and a minimum APS score of 23 with Mathematics or 24 with Mathematical Literacy and who fulfill the minimum rules of access, as stated in AD1: General Faculty Regulations. or • An equivalent qualification, at an equivalent standard, as determined by a Status Committee appointed by the Department of Visual Art. Minimum APS: 23 with Maths or 24 with Maths Lit Language of teaching and learning *: 4 Other recognised language **: 4 Mathematics (Maths) only: 3 Mathematical Literacy: 4 Additional requirements after meeting minimum requirements: Submission of a specified portfolio"