Bachelor of Visual Arts Honours at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

Graduates exit the programme trained according to the ideals of best practice within a chosen visual Arts discipline. This is synchronous with the need to achieve high levels of creative, conceptual and technical proficiency in the visual and design Arts and reinforces professionalism in creative and business practice. A key tennet of the learning resides in stimulating personal growth through practicing analytical, critical, reflective and problem-solving skills.

Faculty: Humanities | Duration: 1 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

This is synchronous with the need to achieve high levels of creative, conceptual and technical proficiency in the visual and design Arts and reinforces professionalism in creative and business practice. A key tennet of the learning resides in stimulating personal growth through practicing analytical, critical, reflective and problem-solving skills. The published curriculum is an NQF Level 8 qualification of 120 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Art Director, Ceramist, Fashion Designer, Fine Artist, Graphic Designer, Photographer, Textile Designer, Sculptor, Artist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree or equivalent qualification, or proof of attainment of an adequate level of competence via the rules relating to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy. SELECTION PROCEDURE The final placement procedure for entrance takes place at the end of the academic year and is based on the following criteria: The student must attend an interview and submit a portfolio of relevant, or required work, appropriate to their discipline The student must pass all modules in the Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree. At least 65% in Visual Studies III (KVS310) and at least 65% in each Studio Major III module in the Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art, Graphic Design or Photography streams, is mandatory. In addition, students who have majored in Fine Arts must attain a 65% pass mark in Drawing III (KDR310). Students may be required to complete a challenge test in order to finalise the selection process. Upon acceptance students may only register for the discipline stream that is a continuation of their first degree.

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.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 13 April 2026. Applications for MBChB, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Extended, BPharm and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) close on 30 June 2026.

Early applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, Nursing, BPharm and BRad) close on 03 August 2026; late applications close on 30 September 2026.

International student applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, BPharm and BRad) close on 30 September 2026. The application fee for international students is R500 per year; online applications by South African applicants carry no application fee.

Student accommodation applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.

2026 down-payments before registration: R10 600 full-time (R6 200 part-time) for degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, Masters and Doctorates; R7 500 full-time (R5 200 part-time) for diplomas and certificates; enrolment fee R1 770. International students pay 100% upfront.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za

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