Diploma in Fine Art at Durban University of Technology

Programme overview

The Diploma in Fine Art (NQF 6, mainstream code DIFAR1, extended curriculum DFAF1) develops students' creative talent and understanding of the role of art through Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking and Ceramics, alongside Art Theory and Communication. After first year students specialise in two studio subjects, and Entrepreneurial Studies and Professional Practice prepare them for working as artists. Studio work is based at City Campus (Painting, Printmaking, Drawing, Art Theory) and ML Sultan Campus (Sculpture and Ceramics). The Fine Art programme has run at DUT since 1884.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Design | Department: Department of Fine Art and Jewellery Design | Duration: 3 years full-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

What you will study

Studio Practice and Art Theory in every year, with English for the Arts, Interpersonal Communication, Media and Visual Literacy, a Community Engagement Project, Professional Practice, Critical Thinking, ICT Literacy, World of Work and Social Responsibility.

Career pathways

Exhibiting or self-employed professional artist, craftsperson, community art officer, gallery curator or assistant, designer, illustrator, advertising designer, visualiser, textile designer, lecturer, technical art adviser and teacher.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

NSC with diploma entry (DUT rule G7): English 3 and four 20-credit subjects at 3 (not more than one language). Art as a subject is an advantage. Selection is guided by evidence of a high standard of creativity, interest in art and adequate written and spoken English. Applicants attend an interview with a portfolio of at least 20 drawings of objects drawn from life and a self-portrait drawn from a mirror (additional creative work is an advantage) and complete a 40-minute visual-comprehension test. Mature-age route (DUT rule G7): applicants without the standard school-leaving qualification may be admitted if they turn 23 in the first year of registration and have at least three years' appropriate work experience and/or demonstrate capacity through a Senate-approved assessment (SATAP, Academic Literacies and English for Academic Purposes and/or a department-set written assessment); applications on this basis are due at least four months before the academic year starts.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Duration: 3 years

Apply through the official page: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za/

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