Bachelor of Arts in the Visual Arts - BA (Visual Studies)

What does the programme entail?

We are confronted with the visual everywhere: on billboards, TV screens and the internet, and in cinemas, magazines, newspapers, fashion, architecture and malls. We do not necessarily see more than previous generations (although there is probably more to see), but the questions we ask about what we see and experience have changed.

Visual Studies as a programme, and Visual culture studies as the main subject enable students to explore the various exciting forms of visual images that surround them every day. The aim is to promote critical skills by offering direction in the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of various aspects of visual culture, in both a historical and a contemporary context. The programme deals with theoretical issues, and candidates for this programme do not need artistic talent.

Core modules

The core module component of this programme is Visual culture studies.

Elective modules

The elective modules offer a choice between subjects such as anthropology, history, religion studies, drama and film studies, language, heritage and cultural tourism, philosophy, marketing and information science.

Postgraduate studies

• BAHons, MA and PhD in Visual Studies

• MA and PhD in Digital Media and Culture

For more information about this programme and this Department, please contact Dr. Rory Du Plessis (Email: [email protected]  or Tel: +27 (0)12 420 2353).

Student Endorsement Videos:

Alicia and Celeste Annandale

Nhlosenhle Mpontshane

Luke Bainbridge

BA (FINE ARTS)
 

What does the programme entail?

BA (Fine Arts) covers a broad spectrum of professional art practices. The two majors of the degree are the studio-based component of art practice, Fine arts (BKK) and Professional art practice (VIT), and a theoretical subject, Visual culture studies (VKK). BA (Fine Arts) is a four-year programme that incorporates training in the disciplines of art practice, such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, new media and photography.

Once fundamental aspects of these disciplines have been mastered, increasingly more challenging goals are set that require inter- and multidisciplinary skills and artistic research. The role played by multimedia in the form of projections and video, and digital art is also firmly established in the fine arts programme.

The first two years of BKK entail foundational projects in various media; the third year focuses on the personal development of medium, context and content; and in the fourth year, students work towards their first professional exhibition with all the theoretical, professional and practical skills that are associated with an exhibition of sound academic quality.

Professional art practice (VIT) is one of the majors offered within the BA (Fine Arts) programme. This subject focuses on the interdependence and interrelationship of the visual arts and industry. Students are given projects that draw their attention to the spaces and situations of their environment, including community-based projects.

During the final (fourth) year, a theory module highlighting current theoretical research discourses is included. For this, a research paper is prepared and presented.

Core modules

Two studio practice subjects: Fine arts and Professional art practice, as well as a theory subject, Visual culture studies

Elective modules

A language, psychology, anthropology, philosophy or religion studies

Postgraduate studies

The following postgraduate options are available:

• MA (Fine Arts) (research through a dissertation and either a solo or a curated exhibition)
• MA (Visual Studies)
• PhD (Fine Arts) (through a thesis; two focus areas are available, namely Curatorial Practice and Creative Production)
• PhD (Visual Studies)

For more information about this programme and this Department, please contact Dr. Johan Thom  (Email: [email protected] or Tel: +27 (0)12 420 3686).