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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97904  Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  400  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 the proposed Bachelor of Arts (BA) Visual Art qualification is twofold first, to provide theoretical, conceptual and technical knowledge for the creative production of artworks appropriate to diverse visual-cultural industries and second, to facilitate access to postgraduate studies in art. In keeping with the institution's core values and the implicit need for social relevance, the new qualification is structured to develop the skills and knowledge that support specific visual industries. Amongst others, these include, visual art practice; art education; curatorial management; arts writing; and community arts projects. The rationale is to enable eligible and committed persons to develop an understanding of the theoretical, technical and visual research skills that address the conceptual relevance of visual art practice in the construction of meaning.

Rationale:
Given the growing demands of the contemporary art world, it is becoming clear that learners require an ever-greater sophistication in creative intelligence and visual expression, as well as an awareness of contemporary art discourses combined with credible levels of digital and arts management skills to inform and underpin their visual art practice. We believe that the new Bachelor of Arts (Visual Art) Degree will support a greater depth of specialised, theoretical knowledge, creative innovation, and social relevance that can also lead to an increase in postgraduate studies in art.

The proposed Bachelor of Arts (Visual Art) Degree has been conceptualised to incorporate cross-faculty collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities, enabling Visual Art learners at the institution to do two years of a select Bachelor of Arts module, and Bachelor of Arts learners to do History of Art as a major in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.

A key component of the proposed qualification is the possibility for cross-faculty collaboration between the Department of Visual Art, in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, and the Faculty of Humanities. The new qualification is designed to allow Humanities learners to register for certain modules in the new Bachelor of Arts (Visual Art) Degree, as well as allow Visual Art learners to access certain Humanities modules, in order to enrich their study.

The Bachelor of Arts Visual Art qualification is particularly suited to learners who wish to engage in creative, contemporary visual expression through critical knowledge skills and research capabilities, informed by a qualification content that is geared towards meaning-making in art within the context of its critical discourses and histories. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of relevant Prior Learning and through prior experience. Providers are required to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the exit level outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. The necessary evidence as required by the exit level outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence. RPL must be in accordance with the policies and procedures of the individual providers and in agreement with procedures.

Entry Requirements:
Learners are required to have one of the following qualifications in order to be considered for admission:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) allowing entry to Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) allowing entry to Bachelor's Degree studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises 15 compulsory modules and electives at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 400 Credits. Learners must choose at least 1 elective from each group of Electives for each Level.

    Modules:
    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5; 100 Credits:
  • Art History 1A, 16 Credits.
  • Art History 1B, 16 Credits.
  • Studio Practice 1, 48 Credits.
  • Drawing 1, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6; 100 Credits:
  • Art History 2A, 16 Credits.
  • Art History 2B, 6, 16 Credits.
  • Studio Practice 2, 48 Credits.
  • Drawing 2, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7; 104 Credits:
  • Art History 3A, 16 Credits.
  • Art History 3B, 16 Credits.
  • Studio Practice 3, 50 Credits.
  • Drawing 3, 22, Credits.

    Electives at NQF Level 5:
    Elective 1:
  • English 1A, 16 Credits.
  • Development Studies 1A, 16 Credits.
  • IsiZulu 1A, 16 Credits.
  • Historical Studies 1A, 16 Credits.
  • New Media Studies 1, 32 Credits. (Optional).

    Elective 2:
  • English 1B, 16 Credits.
  • Development Studies 1B, 16 Credits.
  • IsiZulu 1B, 16 Credits.
  • Historical Studies 1B, 16 Credits.

    Electives at NQF Level 6
    Elective 1:
  • English 2A, 16 Credits.
  • Development Studies 2A, 16 Credits.
  • IsiZulu 2A, 16 Credits.
  • Historical Studies 2A, 6, 16 Credits.
  • New Media Studies 2, 32 Credits.

    Elective 2:
  • English 2B, 16 Credits.
  • Development Studies 2B, 16 Credits.
  • IsiZulu 2B, 16 Credits.
  • Historical Studies 2B,16 Credits.

    Electives at NQF Level 7:
    Elective 1:
  • English 3A, 16 Credits.
  • Development Studies 3A, 16 Credits.
  • IsiZulu 3A, 16 Credits.
  • Historical Studies 3A, 16 Credits, Optional.
  • New Media Studies 3, 32 Credits.

    Elective 2:
  • English 3B, 16 Credits.
  • Development Studies 3B, 16 Credits.
  • IsiZulu 3B, 16 Credits.
  • Historical Studies 3B, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Solve complex visual art problems innovatively by applying integrated knowledge and advanced conceptual thinking skills.
    2. Use a range of visual art methods, processes and techniques competently to create, present and argue for professional visual art outcomes or artworks.
    3. Act ethically and professionally in a creative art context.
    4. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of visual art history and theory and conduct art criticism and research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Knowledge of visual elements and principles is innovatively applied to solve complex creative visual art problems of an acceptable range and scope.
  • Visual Art History and theories are applied in an integrated manner to solve complex creative problems.
  • Advanced conceptual thinking and research skills are applied in an integrated manner to solve complex creative visual problems.
  • Solutions to complex visual and creative problems regarding intellectual property rights, copyright and plagiarism and conservation sectors is understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A range of image-generation, autographic and digital skills is competently used to create and articulate professional solutions for visual art practice.
  • Presentation techniques and professional discourse are persuasively used to support and clarify solutions to visual art practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Appropriate ethical values and approaches are drawn on to make decisions in a creative visual art context.
  • Professional standards of conduct are adhered to in the visual art and art historical contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Detailed knowledge of relevant South African and international visual art history and seminal theory is demonstrated in writing.
  • Research in Art History and Theory is competently conducted by using a range of research methods.
  • Research findings are correctly presented using appropriate academic conventions.
  • Evaluation and critiques of visual art practice and outcomes are competently conducted, based on a systematic and defined framework.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Summative Assessments:
    All visual art modules are year modules, for which each module has six summative assessment opportunities per year. A minimum of three summative assessment opportunities per semester (14 weeks) is acceptable. These assessments comprise:
  • Tests.
  • Studio-based projects.
  • Assignments.
  • Portfolio exhibitions.
  • Presentations depending on the module and the learning guide.

    Formative assessment:
  • Tests.
  • Assignments.
  • Portfolios. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In New Zealand Dunedin School of Art, Otago Polytechnic offers a Bachelor of Visual Arts BA (VA) articulates into a Masters in Fine Art or Master in Visual Art. Some of the modules offered in first, second and third year which are the same as the proposed Bachelor of Visual (Visual Art).Degree at University of Johannesburg. Include:
  • Studio Methodologies.
  • Studio practice.
  • Art History and Theory.

    Studio Practice specialisations include similar focuses areas as those at University of Johannesburg, that is:
  • Painting.
  • Sculpture.
  • Printmaking.
  • Installation art.
  • Professional practice.
  • Photography.
  • Video art making.

    Career opportunities include a range of professions viz:
  • Practicing artist.
  • Curator.
  • Art Educator.
  • Researcher.
  • A variety of roles within the digital and film industries.
  • Art Practitioner,
  • Thinker and active agent in the local and international art market.

    The United Kingdom (UK) Middlesex University offers a 3 Year Bachelor of Arts Visual Art Honours. The Bachelor of Arts Visual Art Honours articulates into a Master qualification. The theoretical component of the Degree includes:
  • Art history and Theory.
  • Education and Art Criticism.

    As the primary discipline, the Bachelor of Arts Visual Art comprises a range of Studio Art and professional practice components. These disciplines include teaching critical thinking about artistic works such as:
  • Sculpture.
  • Video.
  • Photography and digital arts.
  • Installation.
  • Painting.
  • Printmaking and drawing.

    Professional practice seminar series, a research essay, and opportunity to work on art practice in the community are involved in this qualification. The final portfolio is exhibited publicly.

    Conclusion:
    From the above analysis, it can be noted that there are similarities in terms of the modules and purpose of the UJ qualification and the two from the United Kingdom and New Zealand. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Technology in Fine Art at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts at NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fine Arts at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Art History at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.