Introduction
The programme enables students to demonstrate competent engagement in research methodology, to engage in critical debate and to contribute to the body of knowledge and understanding within the field of contemporary arts, to extend and broaden practical and conceptual skills to produce a coherent body of work, and to demonstrate the confidence and powers of self-criticism requisite for development as a practicing artist.
Admission requirements
(Please note that these are the specific programme admission requirements – the university has its own minimum admission requirements.)
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
National Diploma: Fine Art or equivalent qualification with:
- A 65% pass mark in Art Theory III (KAT3310)
- A mark lower than this indicates an inability to assess and collate information critically and logically – an absolute requisite for research.
- A 65% pass mark for Studio Work
- This mark indicates an acceptable level of formal and technical proficiency within the student’s major discipline and a facility for creative resolution.
- A 65% pass mark for Drawing
- This mark indicates a basic ability to process and formulate ideas and concepts.
QUALIFICATION OBJECTIVES
On successful completion of the programme the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate competent engagement in research methodology.
- Engage in critical debate and reflective action, and contribute to the body of knowledge and understanding of issues within the field of the contemporary visual arts.
- Extend and broaden practical and conceptual skills to produce a coherent body of work.
- Demonstrate the confidence and powers of self-criticism, a requisite for development as a practising artist.
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY PART-TIME
This option is designed for applicants who wish to study part-time while holding down a full-time job. The programme runs over a period of two years. The applicant pays full fees in year one and a registration and percentage of the full fee for year two. Consultation with promoters and use of studio space will be structured on an individual basis.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Internal applications by NMMU students
Marks achieved by the end of the third term will indicate whether a student qualifies to submit a proposal. Proposal-writing workshops are held in mid-November and draft proposals must reach the Head of the Applied Design Department by 30 November. Applicants will be interviewed in December, where they will be expected to answer questions regarding their proposed areas of research. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the BTech programme in writing.
External applications
All applicants must present a portfolio of recent work and academic certificates at an interview with the Head of the Studio Arts Department. Acceptance of the standard of work presented will qualify a student to submit a proposal to the Head of the Studio Arts Department no later than 30 November. Applicants will be interviewed in December, where they will be expected to answer questions regarding their proposed area of research. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the BTech programme in writing.
The proposal takes the form of a 500-word essay outlining the theoretical component, its relations to the proposed studio work and the relevance of the candidate’s choice.
The cover page must include the candidate’s name, a provisional title and the proposed field of study.
A literature review must be attached to the proposal. A copy of the Guide to Writing a Proposal may be obtained on request from the Head of Department: Studio Arts.
DURATION
The qualification shall extend over one year of full-time or two years of part-time study.
Careers: painter, sculpter, photographer, fine art critic, sculpturer, stained glass.
For more information on this course: NMMU