Program Overview

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Visual Art Studies (Major)

The Visual Art Studies Program offers a unique and intriguing synthesis of art history, curatorial studies, and studio art, laying a broad and solid foundation in the theory and practice of the visual arts. Graduates earn a globally recognized degree, accredited in the US and EU, in just three years.

About the Program

The B.A. in Visual Art Studies (VAS) program is a compelling fusion of art history, curatorial studies, and studio practice, taught by practicing professionals active in both the local and international art scenes. Designed to produce individuals who are well-educated, versatile, and skilled across a broad range of media, the VAS program prepares students for work in an array of art careers, while also laying the groundwork for graduate studies.

Highlights

• A well-rounded and integrated education that blends art history and theory, studio practice, and art management with curatorial studies, taught by practicing professionals active in both the local and international art scenes
• Instruction in both classical and contemporary techniques, along with new media and an exploration of art in the digital age
• Collaborations with top art institutions in Prague as well as leading curators and art historians, including the Academy of Arts, Architecture & Design (UMPRUM), and the Academy of Fine Arts (AVU), the National Gallery Prague, Kunsthalle, Museum Kampa, MeetFactory, and the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art
• Showcasing of original student work, organizing exhibitions, and collaborating with peers and faculty on art shows in the university’s newly renovated art studio and gallery space
• Prague’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary art scene, with an extensive network of galleries and museums and a wide range of historical artistic styles on display throughout the city

Career Prospects

Graduates are well-placed for further studies in art history, curatorial studies, and studio art. Additionally, they may pursue global artistic careers in museum and gallery work, curation and management, art criticism, academia, conservation, advertising, marketing, public administration, cultural NGOs, and research.

Example Jobs for Artists with a Visual Art Studies Degree

• Graphic designer
• Illustrator
• New media producer
• Art director
• Professional artist
• Illustrator and fashion designer
• Art dealer
• Tattoo artist
• Scenic artist
• Photographer and videographer
• Advertising professional
• Art exhibitor
• Curator & museum/gallery director
• Heritage protection and conservator
• And more!

Internship Opportunities

Internship opportunities are likewise available to VAS graduates within organizations such as Kunsthalle, DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, Meetfactory, and others.

Program Structure

General Education Module

• Composition I
• Composition II
• Intro to Psychology
• Computer Information Systems
• One course from the following: Comparative Religions / Introduction to Philosophy
• One course from the following: What is History? / World History I / World History II / European History I / European History II / Introduction to Literature
• One course from the following: Introduction to Sociology / Introduction to Politics / Introduction to Economic Thought

Major Module

• History of Art I
• History of Art II
• History of Art III
• History of Art IV
• Seminar in Aesthetics
• Art and Society
• Introduction to Critical Art Theory
• One course from the following: Visual Culture / Visual Literacy
• One course from the following: Art Studio: Drawing, Art Studio: Painting, Art Studio: Cross Media Art
• One course from the following: Selected Topics in 20th Century Art / Contemporary Art Scene

Concentration Module

Choose 1 course from each group listed below:

Group A

• Selected Topics in 20th Century Art
• Contemporary Art Scene
• History of Architecture
• From Gothic to Modern: Art in Bohemia
• Seccessionist Art

Group B

• Art Studio: Drawing
• Art Studio: Painting
• Art Studio: Cross Media
• Art Studio: Abstract
• Prague Art and Architecture

Group C

• Introduction to Film Studies
• Introduction to Film Language
• History of Popular Cinema
• Documentary Photography
• Introduction to Digital Photography
• Intermedia Art Studio
• Digital Tools for New Media

Group D

• Introduction to Curatorial Studies
• Arts and Cultural Management
• Writing for Arts and Culture
• Visual Culture

Group E

• Psychoanalysis and Art
• Psychoanalysis of Film
• Psychology of Art and Culture
• Performance and Ritual
• Concept: Pursuing an Idea in the Art Process

Open Elective Module Courses

Students can choose 3 elective courses offered by any AAU School.

Minors

• Business Administration
• Humanities Society and Culture
• Journalism and Media Studies
• International Relations

Qualification Awarded

The bachelor’s degree awarded is concurrently recognized as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the United States, as per AAU’s accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, and as a Bakalář (Bc.) in the Czech Republic, as per AAU’s accreditation by the National Accreditation Bureau for Higher Education (NABHE). Graduates may select whether to use the U.S. post-nominal or the Czech pre-nominal title.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

AAU provides a wide range of scholarships, tuition discounts, and financial aid options to help make quality education more accessible.

Additional Information

• Learn more about tuition & payment.
• Learn more about undergraduate admission requirements.
• Explore our FAQ section.

Examples of Student Work

• Inspiratio-imitari. Curated by AAU student Klara Mahoas for completion of studies Spring 2023. Artists: Alphonse Mucha, Piotr Lencki, Olivier Brut, Hugues Mahoas, Adela Oliva, Siegfried Herz, Nepheli Barbas, Matous Hasa, Michaela Fenkl, Payo Sanf, Ewa Zurakowska, based in 2095, Jules Roux, Henrique, Sey, Dorota Cicatkova. Dates: May 20-June 8, 2023 at the French Institute of Prague, Gallery 35
• The Hybrid Canvas: AI versus Humans. Curated by AAU student Nicole Slusser for completion of studies Spring 2023. Artists: Alexey Shahov and David Čáp. Date: May 29, 2023 at Reunion Gallery, Prague 2
• . Curated by AAU student Dorota Cicatkova for completion of studies Fall 2023. Artists: Darina Alster, Kristina Bukovcatkova, Veronika Cechmankova, Eva Macekova, Martin Pondelicek. Dates: January 3-5, 2024 at the Slovak Institute in Prague
• Untraditional Childhood. Painting exhibition by AAU student Annushka Litchie (invited to be part of the 8th annual Lednice-Valtice Music Festival). Dates: September 28-October 30, 2023 at Havlicek Villa, Breclav-Postorna (South Moravia)