Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art

Culture and Arts - Visual Arts

Purpose and Rationale

Proposed Bachelor of Arts (BA) Visual Art Qualification

Purpose:

The purpose of the proposed Bachelor of Arts (BA) Visual Art qualification is two-fold. First, it aims to provide theoretical, conceptual, and technical knowledge necessary for the creative production of artworks in various visual-cultural industries. Second, it intends to facilitate access to postgraduate studies in art. The qualification is structured to develop skills and knowledge that align with specific visual industries such as visual art practice, art education, curatorial management, arts writing, and community arts projects. The goal is to enable eligible individuals to gain an understanding of theoretical, technical, and visual research skills that contribute to the conceptual relevance of visual art practice in creating meaning.

Rationale:

In light of the increasing demands of the contemporary art world, learners are expected to have a higher level of sophistication in creative intelligence, visual expression, and awareness of contemporary art discourses. Additionally, they should possess digital and arts management skills to support their visual art practice. The proposed Bachelor of Arts (Visual Art) Degree aims to provide a greater depth of specialized theoretical knowledge, creative innovation, and social relevance. This is anticipated to also lead to an increased interest in postgraduate studies in art.

The Bachelor of Arts (Visual Art) Degree is designed to foster cross-faculty collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities. This collaboration enables Visual Art learners to pursue selected Bachelor of Arts modules for two years and allows Bachelor of Arts learners to major in History of Art within the Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture. A key feature of the proposed qualification is the opportunity for students to engage in interdisciplinary learning by accessing modules from both the Department of Visual Art and the Faculty of Humanities. This exchange of knowledge is intended to enrich their academic experience.

The Bachelor of Arts Visual Art qualification is ideal for individuals who are interested in engaging in contemporary visual expression through critical knowledge and research capabilities. The curriculum is structured to support learners in examining the meaning-making aspects of art within the context of critical discourses and art histories.

Outcomes

Solve complex visual art problems innovatively by applying integrated knowledge and advanced conceptual thinking skills.
Use a range of visual art methods, processes and techniques competently to create, present and argue for professional visual art outcomes or artworks.
Act ethically and professionally in a creative art context.
Demonstrate detailed knowledge of visual art history and theory and conduct art criticism and research.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Knowledge of visual elements and principles:
- Innovatively applied to solve complex creative visual art problems of an acceptable range and scope.
Visual Art History and theories:
- Applied in an integrated manner to solve complex creative problems.
Advanced conceptual thinking and research skills:
- Applied in an integrated manner to solve complex creative visual problems.
Understanding of solutions to complex visual and creative problems:
- Regarding intellectual property rights, copyright, plagiarism, and conservation sectors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Image-generation, autographic, and digital skills:
- Competently used to create and articulate professional solutions for visual art practice.
Presentation techniques and professional discourse:
- Persuasively used to support and clarify solutions to visual art practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Appropriate ethical values and approaches:
- Drawn on to make decisions in a creative visual art context.
Professional standards of conduct:
- Adhered to in the visual art and art historical contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Detailed knowledge of relevant South African and international visual art history and seminal theory:
- Demonstrated in writing.
Competent research in Art History and Theory:
- Conducted using a range of research methods.
Research findings:
- Correctly presented using appropriate academic conventions.
Evaluation and critiques of visual art practice and outcomes:
- Competently conducted, based on a systematic and defined framework.

Integrated Assessment:

Summative Assessments:
- Tests.
- Studio-based projects.
- Assignments.
- Portfolio exhibitions.
- Presentations depending on the module and the learning guide.
Formative assessment:
- Tests.
- Assignments.
- Portfolios.

Qualification Details

Type: National First Degree
NQF Level: 07
Min. Credits: 400
SAQA Source: More Information

Education Cost Calculator

Select Province

University of Johannesburg

Applications are open

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a public university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of the Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand, and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. UJ is one of the largest universities in South Africa, with over 50,000 students enrolled across its four campuses. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences. UJ is known for its commitment to providing quality education, promoting social justice, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Learn more

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.