| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2025-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
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)
Program Outline
Visual Art Studies (Major) - Anglo-American University in Prague
Degree Overview:
The B.A. in Visual Art Studies (major) is a 3-year, internationally accredited program delivered by a diverse faculty of artists, academics, and art professionals. It offers a modern and interdisciplinary education in Visual Arts, combining courses in art history, a range of multi-level art-studio options, film and new media, and arts management. Students earn a globally recognized American and European B.A. degree. The program aims to provide students with a solid background in art history and theory, while developing their skills in various areas of the visual arts through studio-art classes. It also emphasizes art management and curatorial studies, combining historical foundations with a focus on the international modern and contemporary art scene.
Outline:
The Visual Art Studies program is a 3-year program requiring students to accumulate 90 US credits (180 ECTS credits) by completing 30 courses. It does not include a specific concentration, allowing students to choose more electives.
Study Modules:
- General Education Module Courses:
- English Communication: Composition I & II
- Social Sciences / Major: Intro to Psychology
- Visual Art Major Studies Module Courses:
- History of Art I
- History of Art 2/Art in the Age of Enlightenment: From the Renaissance to Romanticism
- Art Studio Practice: Intro to Drawing, Art Studio Practice: Materials, Techniques & Mathods of Painting, Cross-Media Art Studio
- Visual Culture, Visual Literacy, Modernism – From Realism to Modern Art, Intro to Critical Art Theory, Humanities, Society and Culture: Art and Society, History of Art IV: End of Modernism to Contemporary Art, ART270 Selected Topics in 20th Century Art, Contemporary Art Scene
- ART350 Internship, ART394 Thesis Seminar, ART390 Thesis
- Required/Optional Major Module Courses:
- Intro to Curatorial Studies, ART450 Arts and Cultural Management, Writing about arts and culture
- PSY361 Psychoanalysis and Art (Prerequisites: PSY150), PSY366 Psychoanalysis of Film (Prerequisites: PSY150), PSY280 Psychology of Art and Culture, ART310 Performance & Ritual, ART304 Concept: Pursuing an Idea in the Art Process
- Open Elective Module Courses:
- Students can choose 3 open elective courses offered by the School of Journalism, Media & Visual Arts (any concentration) or any other school at AAU. Examples include: Spanish I, Public speaking, Prague Art and Architecture, Creative writing, Gender, Minority and Culture.
Minors:
- Business Administration
- Humanities Society and Culture
- Journalism and Media Studies
- International Relations
Assessment:
Students complete their studies by taking a graduation examination:
- State exam covering the major module
- State exam covering the concentration module
- Thesis defense
Teaching:
- The program is taught by a diverse faculty of artists, academics, and art professionals.
- The program takes advantage of Prague's rich cultural heritage, with lectures often taking place outside of the classroom.
- AAU provides all Visual Art Studies and Journalism students with standard domains and website builders to prepare them for their journey as professional artists.
Careers:
Graduates of the B.A. in Visual Art Studies are well-equipped to pursue a global career in areas such as:
- New Media
- Graphic Design
- Advertising
- Museum/Gallery work
- Art Exhibitions
- Heritage Protection and Conservation
- Public Administration
- Art NGO’s or Institutions
Other:
- AAU has small art-studio facilities on campus and is striving to provide external studios in cooperation with local art organizations.
- Students in the final year can receive a Visual Art Studies Scholarship for final projects.
- AAU is located near several national museums and gallery buildings, some within walking distance or a short public transportation ride.
- The contemporary art scene in Prague is multinational, and AAU's student body adds a deeper multicultural flair to the city.
- Students can join an array of clubs, including Figment, which organizes workshops, guest talks, exhibitions, and other related activities.
- Internship opportunities are well-developed due to the many galleries and art-related Czech or international institutions based in Prague.
- Tuition EU: 685 020 CZK
- Tuition NON-EU: 793 020 CZK
Overview:
Anglo-American University (AAU) is a modern university located in Prague, Czech Republic, with a rich history spanning over 30 years. It is housed in the Thurn-Taxis Palace, a historic building dating back to the 17th century, providing an inspiring atmosphere in the heart of Prague. AAU prides itself on its small class sizes, averaging 15 students, fostering close interactions between students and professors.
Services Offered:
AAU offers a comprehensive range of services to support students, including:
Admissions Support:
Assistance with the application process, visa information, and tuition payment.Nostrification:
Guidance for students seeking Czech accreditation for their degrees.Housing:
On-campus housing options in a lively district of Prague.Academic Advising:
Support from Assistant Deans in selecting and registering for classes.Career Center:
Resources for crafting CVs, cover letters, interview skills, and internship/job applications.Student Services Center:
Assistance with student ID cards, discounts, and other administrative matters.Library:
Access to a well-stocked library with resources for academic research.Cafe-de-Taxis:
A campus cafe serving as a social hub for students and faculty.Student Life and Campus Experience:
AAU fosters a vibrant and inclusive community with students from over 80 countries. Students can expect:
Multicultural Environment:
Interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds.Extracurricular Activities:
Participation in various clubs, events, and social gatherings.Exchange Programs:
Opportunities to study abroad at partner universities around the world.Student Council:
Involvement in student governance and activities.Professors in the Pub:
Engaging discussions with faculty on current topics.Key Reasons to Study There:
Double Accreditation:
Most programs are accredited both in the US and EU, providing global recognition.Small Class Sizes:
Personalized learning and close relationships with professors.World-Class Faculty:
Experienced instructors from diverse backgrounds.Career Support:
Comprehensive resources for professional development and job placement.Location in Prague:
A safe and student-friendly city with rich history and culture.Academic Programs:
AAU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across four schools:
School of Business Administration (SBA)
School of International Relations & Diplomacy (IRD)
School of Humanities & Social Sciences (SHSS)
School of Journalism, Media, and Visual Arts (SJMVA)
Other:
- AAU is one of the few universities globally to have received accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
- The university is located in the historical center of Malá Strana in the Thurn-Taxis Palace.
- Prague is consistently ranked among the top ten safest cities in the world and offers a vibrant student community.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent.
- English language proficiency (see Language Proficiency Requirements below).
International Overseas Students (Outside the EU):
- High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent.
- English language proficiency (see Language Proficiency Requirements below).
- Valid passport and visa (if required).
Language Proficiency Requirements:
English Language Proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT score of 79 or higher
- IELTS score of 6.5 or higher
- PTE Academic score of 65 or higher
- CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) score of 185 or higher
- CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)
Additional Notes:
- Students who have completed their previous education in English may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirement.
I like AAU because it’s very diverse and you can take as many classes as you want, including ones not connected to your degree. That way you can grow as a person. I enjoy basically every hour I spend here and I feel like I’m getting value for every class and I feel very connected to the people around me.
We do almost all of our projects in small international teams, and we work together like we would in a business company and synergize our different ideas. There's flexibilities to meet with teachers outside of class, and ask them questions, not just specifically things we learn in the class.
