Program Overview

---

School of the Arts: Visual Arts

The School of the Arts: Visual Arts offers a range of programs, including the BA Fine Arts Extended Programme.

BA Fine Arts Extended Programme

The Fine Arts Extended Programme at the University of Pretoria provides an excellent foundation for students passionate about developing their artistic skills and critical understanding of visual culture. Designed to provide additional academic support and more time for development, the extended programme allows students to build confidence and technical ability before progressing into the core Fine Arts degree.

Through a combination of studio-based learning, creative experimentation, and theoretical studies, students are guided in exploring diverse media such as:

• Painting
• Sculpture
• Drawing
• Ceramics
• Photography
• Mixed media

The programme encourages conceptual thinking, personal expression, and engagement with contemporary art practices and contexts.

Fields of Study

The BA Fine Arts Extended Programme covers a range of fields, including:

• Professional art practice
• Curation
• Arts education
• Community arts
• Illustration
• Related visual culture industries

Application Procedure

The application procedure for the BA Fine Arts Extended Programme involves the following steps:

1. Minimum requirements for admission:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) with bachelor's degree exemption or equivalent qualification
• An Admission Point Score (APS), minimum 26-29 (excluding Life Orientation)
• A minimum of 50% for English language (home or first additional)
• Art as a school subject is NOT a requirement

2. Application at UP:

• Applications for the year 2025 open on 1 April 2025
• Applications are online only
• The closing date for UP applications for BA Fine Art Extended Programme is 30 June 2025

3. UP competency test:

• Drawing and Motivational Letter Submission
• A motivational letter (typed in a Word document format, stating information about yourself, achievements, personal interests, and motivation for study, not exceeding 500 words)
• A Fine Arts Extended Programme Questionnaire (filled out online and emailed to the Fine Art review panel)

4. Interview and review test:

• Book an appointment for an interview and review test
• Interviews and reviews will take place between 28 July – 2 August 2025
• The interview, drawing test, and conceptualisation test with Fine Art staff members will take place in person at the Visual Arts Building on the University of Pretoria's Hatfield Campus
• The conceptualisation test requires interpreting and comparing two images of artworks presented in person
• A drawing test (an original still life object drawn from observation)
• Optional: bringing a photograph or portfolio demonstrating your area of practice (painting, sculpture, ceramics, or installations) to the interview

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Fine Arts stream are well prepared for creative careers in fields such as:

• Professional art practice
• Curation
• Arts education
• Community arts
• Illustration
• Related visual culture industries Many go on to pursue postgraduate studies or work as independent artists contributing to South Africa's vibrant creative landscape.