COURSE: BACHELOR OF ARTS IN VISUAL COMMUNICATI...

Bachelors programme is designed to provide both a solid theoretical and practical education, preparing students for further studies or entry into a career within visual communication the specialisations of Design, Art Direction and Illustration. Supporting subjects are tailored to ensure the success of the graduate within a highly demanding industry. The emphasis during final year is on students preparing an industry standard portfolio of work that reflects their own individual creative talent and ambition.

FIRST YEAR:

The first year at the Academy serves as a foundation year, allowing students to have a hands-on experience of all possible majors. This serves to equip the students creatively with more than one skill, but most importantly it allows them to make an informed choice on their major subject.

Major Subjects:
-Graphic Design
-Art Direction
-Illustration
-Photography

Supporting Subjects:
-Digital Communications 1
-Marketing Communications 1
-Visual Studies 1
-Integrated Communications 1

 

SECOND YEAR:

After experiencing all majors students choose one major and one minor subject from the four offered in first year.

For example, a student could major in Photography and choose Illustration as a minor. Another could see an alignment with Art Direction as better suited to their future plans. Similarly, a Design student could take photography as a minor or an Illustrator could choose Design as a minor.

This allows individual students to make decisions according to their strengths, which can help define a career path.

Major and Minor Subjects:
(Choice of one major and one minor from the four below:

-Graphic Design
-Art Direction
-Illustration
-Photography

Supporting Subjects:

-Digital Communications 2
-Marketing Communications 2
-Visual Studies 2
-Integrated Communications 2

 

THIRD YEAR:

As this is the final year, emphasis is put on creating a highly individualised industry-ready portfolio based on the strengths of the student. Students continue with their major but should they wish, may choose another minor from those they did not do in their second year.

The third year is shorter, academically, due to the fourth term being essentially final examinations and the four-week industry internship (work integrated learning).

A final body of work from the student’s chosen major is put on exhibition, assessed by a panel internally and then moderated externally. Should the student pass this and meet all other academic requirements, they will graduate at the end of the year. Digital Communication in third year is an elective for those wishing to specialise in certain applications.

Major Subjects:
(Continuation of chosen Major and choice of one minor from the four below)

-Graphic Design
-Art Direction
-Illustration
-Photography

Work Integrated Learning:
Industry internship for four weeks

Supporting Subjects:
-Digital communications 3 – Mobile Apps, Action Scripting, Animation, Post -production, Web Design, After Effects.

-Business Leadership – Copy writing, Account Management, Brand Management, New Media, Strategic Communications, Entrepreneurship.

Do you want more info on this course and student's work? Visit Stellenbosch Academy's website

Go to the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography's profile