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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Visual Arts 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93884  Bachelor of Visual Arts 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Visual Arts 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  373  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is:
  • To produce graduates who are trained according to the ideals of best practice within a chosen visual arts discipline.
  • To be synchronous with high levels of creative, conceptual and technical proficiency in the visual and design arts.
  • To build entrepreneurial preparedness and professionalism and an understanding of the role market forces play in building a career.
  • To stimulate personal growth through practicing analytical, critical, reflective and problem-solving skills.
  • To develop a world view that allows a learner to understand the role the visual arts and design disciplines have in influencing society.
  • To contribute to the pool of suitably skilled and creative art and design graduates in South Africa in the areas of fashion and textile design, fine art, graphic design, photography and hybrid visual arts disciplines.

    Accordingly the curriculum is structured in such a way that there is vertical as well as horizontal synergy between modules and levels. The implication is that this allows for a significant amount of collaborative and interdisciplinary learning.

    The first year is a generic 'foundation' year. The second and third year; although biased towards studio practice in the disciplinary directions of fashion and textile design, fine art, graphic design or photography; acknowledge the interconnectedness of visual arts and design disciplines. This is achieved by presenting modules that share generic content in an interdisciplinary track common to all of the disciplinary directions, including: visual and cultural studies, communication, life skills and entrepreneurship, visualisation, and technologies. The opportunity to take selected liberal arts electives broadens a learner's exposure to diverse, yet relevant, knowledge and experiences that are so important to being able to function in the complex, hybrid industry environment of the present day.

    Rationale:
    Primarily the qualification is intended to balance the vocational imperative in the visual and design arts with the need to build academic integrity that will lead to growth in research. The pursuit of best practice in the visual arts disciplines, and the trends in internationally recognised and rated qualifications, suggests a re-alignment of curricula to encompass inter- and trans-disciplinary engagement, human-centeredness and the inclusion of liberal arts content. More synergy therefore becomes possible across the band of Bachelor of Arts qualifications.

    This qualification acknowledges the growth of hybrid industries within the visual and design arts, where boundaries between the disciplines are blurred, where technological developments spur innovative developments, and where collaborative projects are commonplace, and questions the very narrowly defined parameters and obvious skills needs formerly required of these disciplines. The fine arts aspect of this qualification will service the needs of schools, museums, galleries, cultural institutions and other relevant industries in the Mandela Bay region primarily.

    Textile craft and textile technologies merge with fashion design to support Eastern Cape mohair initiatives and entrepreneurial development, and bespoke fashion design in the region, as well as training the requisite stylistic, forecasting, merchandising and management skills for the fashion retail, manufacturing and merchandising industry. Both the graphic design and photography components of the qualification sustain existing industries (advertising, design, publishing, art and culture) and seed new ones in Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, nationally and internationally.

    This qualification aims to adequately prepare graduates for the real world; defined by these, and emerging hybrid industries; by addressing contemporary trends in technology, professional practice and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. These include experiential training, HIV and Aids awareness, writing and learning skills, basic financial, business, stress and time management; employability, presentation and communication skills, cultural and diversity sensitisation, environmental awareness, ethics and problem-solving.

    Consequently the intent of the qualification is to produce graduates who are able to operate on three levels:
  • To acquire sufficient knowledge and vocational skills to be able to satisfy the needs of industry as competent entry level professionals.
  • To foster entrepreneurship through the development of skills in communication and business practice, and the application of personal initiative and innovation.
  • To understand the value of critical thinking and research as a bridge to personal enrichment and the route to postgraduate study. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    A panel of experts reviews the applicant's portfolio of work against a predetermined standard, according to the academic level that entry has been applied for. Additionally evidence of language and writing proficiency is required unless the applicant has recently left, or graduated from, an accredited institution and has verifiable academic results.

    Equivalency of the applicant's experience or outputs is determined according to the qualification requirements. In some instances the applicant may be required to produce a creative output or a written output as evidence of their ability. An interview is conducted and the individual panel members submit reports. Based on these inputs the applicant may be accepted into the qualification subject to meeting the general RPL rules of the University.

    The learners who do not meet the minimum requirements can therefore gain access to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning and credits will be granted where competency in a specific module is established by an assessor.

    Senior Certificate requirements:
  • School Performance Score 27.
  • Senior Certificate with matriculation endorsement.

    National Senior Certificate granting access to Bachelor Degree studies with:
  • Admissions Point Score of 32.
  • Minimum National Senior Certificate (NSC) requirements for Degree entry must be met.
  • English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa (home language or first additional language) on at least level 3 (40-49%).
  • NSC achievement rating on at least level 3 (40-49%) for Mathematical Literacy.
  • Applicants with an Admissions Points Score between 22 and 31 may be referred to write the Access Assessment Test before a decision is made on whether or not to admit the applicant.

    National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Degree studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 with a minimum of 373 Credits. This qualification has four options for the learner to choose from:
  • Fashion and Textiles.
  • Fine Art.
  • Graphic Design.
  • Photography.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 5:
  • 2-D Studies, 30 Credits.
  • 3-D Studies, 30 Credits.
  • Communication 1, 12 Credits.

    Totalling: 72 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Visualisation Techniques 1, 24 Credits.
  • Visual Studies 1, 12 Credits.
  • Interdisciplinary Studies II, 12 Credits.
  • Visual Studies II, 18 Credits.

    Totalling: 66 Credits.

    Optional modules (choose one) at NQF Level 6:
  • Introduction to Philosophy, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Industrial Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Cultural Studies: Contemporary Culture (a), 6 Credits.
  • Cultural Studies: Contemporary Culture (b), 6 Credits.

    Totalling: 12 Credits.

    Optional modules (choose one) at NQF Level 6:
  • Philosophy and Architecture, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy and Film, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy and Modernity, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Organisational Behaviour, 12 Credits.
  • Cultural Studies: Contemporary Society (a), 10 Credits.
  • Cultural Studies: Contemporary Society (b), 10 Credits.

    Totalling: 10/12 Credits.

    Each option chosen by the learner totals 84 credits at NQF Level 6.

    Option 1 - Fashion and Textiles:
  • Fashion and Textile Visualisation Techniques II, 24 Credits.
  • Fashion and Textile Design II (a), 30 Credits.
    And one of:
  • Fashion and Textile Design II (b), 30 Credits.
  • Fashion Design II (b), 30 Credits.

    Option 2 - Fine Art:
  • Drawing II, 24 Credits.
    And one of:
  • Painting II, 30 Credits.
  • Sculpture II, 30 Credits.
    And one of:
  • Ceramics II, 30 Credits.
  • Glass II, 30 Credits.
  • Printmaking II, 30 Credits.

    Option 3 - Graphic Design:
  • Graphic Design Visualisation Techniques II, 24 Credits.
  • Communication Design II, 60 Credits.

    Option 4 - Photography:
  • Photographic Visualisation Techniques II, 24 Credits.
  • Photography II, 60 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Interdisciplinary Studies III, 18 Credits.
  • Visual Studies III, 18 Credits.

    Totalling: 36 Credits.

    Optional modules (choose one) at NQF Level 7:
  • Cultural Studies: Contemporary Society, 15 Credits.
  • Philosophical Critique of Culture: Psychoanalysis, 15 Credits.
  • Philosophical Critique of Culture: Language, 15 Credits.
  • Philosophical Critique of Culture: Postmodernism, 15 Credits.
  • Philosophical Critique of Culture: Power, 15 Credits.

    Totalling: 15 Credits.

    Each option chosen by the learner totals 78 credits at NQF Level 7.

    Option 1 - Fashion and Textiles:
  • Fashion and Textile Visualisation Techniques III, 18 Credits.
    And one of:
  • Fashion Design III, 60 Credits.
  • Fashion and Textile Design III, 60 Credits.

    Option 2 - Fine Art:
  • Drawing III, 18 Credits.
    And one of:
  • Ceramics III, 60 Credits.
  • Glass III, 60 Credits.
  • Painting III, 60 Credits.
  • Printmaking III, 60 Credits.
  • Sculpture III, 60 Credits.

    Option 3 - Graphic Design:
  • Graphic Design Visualisation Techniques III, 18 Credits.
  • Communication Design III, 60 Credits.

    Option 4 - Photography:
  • Photographic Visualisation Techniques III, 18 Credits.
  • Photography III, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to resolve visual problems that span a range of knowledge and experience, with creative visual solutions.
    2. Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of contextual relevance, multiculturalism, knowledge systems and diversity.
    3. Synthesise solutions and use creativity beyond the traditionally perceived boundaries of expertise.
    4. Practice trans-disciplinary engagement and produce creative outputs through interdisciplinary collaboration.
    5. Apply a human-centred approach to communication, creative outputs and social commentary that considers cultural, economic, environmental, political and social impact and sustainability.
    6. Attain the requisite crafting, technical and technological competency and professional practice compliancy for the field of study.
    7. Produce a series of creative artefacts that demonstrate an ability to engage in critical thinking, reflective practice and research.
    8. Use the skills acquired in communication and business practice to engage in entrepreneurial activity.
    9. Provide evidence, through the presentation of a portfolio of work, of an ability to practice as a professional within the discipline of Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art, Graphic Design or Photography. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply appropriate problem-solving skills relating to visual production within the disciplinary context i.e. fashion and textiles, fine art, graphic design or photography.
  • Show application and interpretation of knowledge in a variety of visual problem solutions.
  • Demonstrate lateral thinking in the generation of creative works.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Question, analyse and solve visual and communication problems as they relate to culture and diversity.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of ethical and social issues in art and design production.
  • Explain the importance of context as a primary response to addressing visual problem-solving.
  • Use diverse bodies of knowledge to scrutinise and explore visual arts issues.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply different problem-solving methodologies and thinking strategies.
  • Challenge traditional views of creative representation and art and design practice.
  • Question current creative approaches and experiment with alternative modes of creativity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Engage in discourse outside of the visual arts disciplines and show understanding of their relevance and interconnectedness within a worldview.
  • Engage creatively with disciplines outside of the visual arts in collaborative real-world projects.
  • Engage with other visual arts disciplines in interdisciplinary projects.
  • Understand the complexity inherent in group work and the importance of tolerance and management skills as critical elements of professional practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Realise that all creative outputs embody a social conscience.
  • Understand that human-centeredness places the emphasis on creative solutions focused on the greater good.
  • Consider the influence, importance and relevance that culture, economics, environment, politics and sustainability have on creative and written outputs.
  • Demonstrate the primacy of sustainable and environmentally sound art and design practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Show adequate crafting skills and technical facility for the chosen art or design discipline.
  • Understand that crafting skills, technical facility and technological competence result from practice and repetition.
  • Demonstrate sufficient general business and discipline specific technological competency to be able to practice as a professional.
  • Apply own initiative in identifying shortcomings in skill sets and engage in remedial action to up skill.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Produce a series of creative outputs in response to briefs that are given in a variety of formats.
  • Employ self-criticism of and reflection on own production as aspects of process towards a final artwork or design.
  • Demonstrate competencies in visual, textual and verbal research as it applies to art-making and designed responses.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical constructs that define art and design practice.
  • Use research to develop arguments, question values, criticise systems and engage in discourse on issues pertinent to visual art and design.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply forms of business communication effectively and clearly.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of professional business practice.
  • Resolve discipline specific entrepreneurial challenges by employing appropriate discipline specific solutions.
  • Understand the rules, laws and guidelines that govern entrepreneurial practice in South Africa.
  • Understand the importance of codes of conduct, values and formal structures upon which entrepreneurship is built.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Produce a portfolio of work that exhibits an ability to function as a creative professional in visual art or design and presents a range of creative outputs.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Because of the emphasis on studio practice in this qualification, formative assessment, out of necessity, is based on progressive process criticism, and incorporates presentation and motivation for artefacts and outputs generated. Formative assessment is also applied to written assignments, through the use of progressive drafting, with written and verbal feedback.

    Summative assessment of studio work is comprehensive and follows a similar process, with written and verbal feedback on all projects undertaken over the duration of a module.

    This sequence of formative and summative assessments is applied repeatedly to individual projects throughout the year. At the close of the first semester a process portfolio of work is submitted for panel criticism and the learner is given a progress assessment. This work is combined with that which is produced in the second semester and eventually forms the learner's final portfolio submission and summative studio practice assessment in November. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification has been informed by the visual arts qualifications offered at the following institutions, all of which regularly rate in the international rankings as preferred providers for the visual and design arts:
  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Bachelor of Fine Arts.
  • Rhode Island School of Design's Bachelor of Fine Arts.
  • Design Academy Eindhoven's Bachelor of Design.
  • University of the Arts London's - Central Saint Martins' Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Fine Arts.

    Conclusion:
    All of these institutions offer their qualifications as four-year Degrees. To align more realistically with the South African scenario the current qualification is presented as a 3 year option, the structure and content is a synthesis of the four international qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation with other qualifications includes the following:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Performing and Visual Arts.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts: Visual Communication Design.

    Vertical articulation with other qualifications includes the following:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Language and Communication Studies. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Nelson Mandela University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.