Program Overview

Programme: BAHons specialising in Visual Studies

Programme information

This qualification builds on the foundation laid in the undergraduate Visual Studies programme, and offers students the opportunity to engage in research and to start developing their own field of interest and specialisation, which can then be pursued in further postgraduate studies.

Admission requirements

General Admission Regulations:

1. All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
   1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
   2. Certified copy of ID or passport
   3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
2. All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:
   1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
   2. TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
   3. Certified copy of passport.
3. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes.
4. Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable).
5. Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year.
6. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree.
7. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department.
8. If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project.
9. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria. Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application.
10. All applicants must be computer literate.
11. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
12. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy.

Minimum admissions requirements:

1. Relevant bachelor's degree (NQF level 7)
2. A weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level

1. An admissions essay/examination may be required
2. Additional work/modules may be required in order to reach the desired level of competency

Programme structure

• Minimum duration of study: 1 year
• Total credits: 120
• NQF level: 08

Core modules

• SOA 700: Arts research and methodology (Credits: 40.00) Module content: A research report on an approved topic.
• VKK 751: Key texts in visual culture (Credits: 40.00) Module content: This module examines some of the seminal texts and theoretical frameworks in the field of visual culture. As far as possible, these texts and frameworks will be illustrated with reference to the South African context.

Elective modules

• DRA 710: Digital media and performance (Credits: 40.00) Module content: New and digital media investigates digital film-making, computer media and the internet in relation to performance and culture. The main emphasis is on digital film production and editing, with a secondary focus on distribution and screening.
• VKK 756: Visual and digital scholarship (Credits: 40.00) Module content: This module exposes students to the latest visual and digital humanities tools and scholarship. These may include photo diaries, interactive web documentaries, social media analysis, as well as the mapping and visualisation of data. A three-tiered analysis of images across media is followed, namely the site of production, the image itself and the meanings negotiated in specific social contexts.