We are confronted with the visual everywhere: on billboards, TV screens, in cinemas, magazines, newspapers, on the internet, fashion, architecture and in malls. We do not necessarily see more than previous generations (although there is probably more to see), but it is rather a case that we ask different questions about what we see and experience than before.
Visual Studies as programme, and visual culture studies as the main subject, enable students to explore the various exciting forms of visual images that surround them on a daily basis. The aim is to promote critical skills by offering direction in the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of various aspects of visual culture, both in a historical and contemporary context. The programme deals with theoretical issues, and students do not need artistic talent to study the course.
For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.
- Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.
Art and film critics, visual culture specialists, arts and culture educators, academics, art historians, curators, visual analysts, visual consultants, media and communication analysts, social media coordinators, galley managers
- Candidates are advised to apply early. Space is limited in all programmes. As soon as a programme reaches its full capacity, applications for the specific programme will be closed, even if it is before the official closing date.
- The following candidates will be considered for admission:
- A candidate who is in possession of a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required National Senior Certificate (NSC) with university endorsement; a candidate who is a graduate from another recognised tertiary institution or has been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution; and a candidate who is a graduate of another faculty at the University of Pretoria
- Candidates who have completed the National Senior Certificate with admission to degree studies or a certificate of conditional exemption on the basis of a candidate’s international ("foreign") qualifications, the so-called “Immigrant” or “Foreign Conditional Exemption”. The only condition for the “Foreign Conditional Exemption” that is accepted is: ‘completion of the degree course’. The exemption certificate is obtainable from Universities South Africa (USAf). Detailed information is available on the website at mb.usaf.ac.za.
- Candidates who comply with the minimum subject requirements and achievement levels as well as the APS requirements of these programmes will be granted placement in the programmes, subject to the availability of space. The above-mentioned is not applicable to selection programmes.
- To retain admission, learners will be expected to obtain an APS of at least 28 in the NSC. Prospective students who have already been granted conditional admission in these programmes, but obtained at least an APS of 26 or 27 in Grade 12, will be considered by the Admissions Committee of the Faculty of Humanities, subject to the availability of space and the results of the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
- Applicants who meet the minimum APS requirement, but who do not comply with the subject requirements must write the NBT.
- Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
Minimum requirements |
Achievement level |
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | APS |
NSC/IEB | AS Level |
5 | C | 30 |
To retain admission candidates are required to obtain an APS of at least 28 and must meet the minimum language requirements. Candidates who obtained an APS of 30 but do not comply with the subject requirement, must write the NBT as soon as possible to secure a place timeously.
* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission.
3 years, full-time.
The Faculty of Humanities provides a holistic education, transferable skills, critical thinking, and communication and problem-solving that will help you develop to your full potential. You will be entering a stimulating environment that will broaden your intellectual horizons and help you achieve personal and professional success through the best possible learning experience.
As the most diverse Faculty of the University of Pretoria, we offer an exciting and comprehensive range of programmes and discipline-based majors, including studies in languages, social sciences and visual and performing arts.
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