Introduction to the BA Fine Arts Programme
Welcome to the BA Fine Arts programme. We are delighted to accompany you as you begin this next chapter in your creative and academic journey, and we look forward to meeting you soon.
The information below serves as an orientation to the structure and expectations of the programme, and will help you prepare for your first weeks on campus.
Most of your classes will take place in the Department of Fine Arts, which is close to the gym and the Tempe/Furstenburg Gate. The building's name is Claerhout and is in the Mabaleng Block. Find it here on Google Maps (the location will also be shared with you on the Official Departmental WhatsApp group).
YOUR CURRICULUM
The BA Fine Arts Curriculum is largely structured across four years of study for students on the Mainstream Programme and up to five years for students on the Extended Programme
Your two Majors are:
1. Fine Arts Practical Modules
2. Art History and Image Studies Modules
These majors run throughout all four years of the programme.
*Please note the critical importance of your Art History and Image Studies modules: If you do not complete these modules on time, your progression may be delayed. You cannot enter the fourth year of study without having passed all Fine Arts Practical and Art History and Image Studies Modules up to the third year level.
Minors/Electives
Limited-option elective module, such as Psychology or English (which you will take in both first and second years)
Compulsory/Foundational Modules
In the first year, you are required to register for the following compulsory modules:
FYSH1512 & FYSH1522 – Two foundational modules taken by all first-year students across the university.
CSIL1561 – A computer literacy module offered in the second semester.
CALH1508 – A first-year English year module.
For CSIL1561 and CALH1508, you may register for a promotional test before the module begins, but you still need to register for this module. Achieving a sufficiently high score will exempt you from attending the classes for these module.
Junior Years
In your first and second years (junior years), you have your Fine Arts Practical Majors, Art History and Image Studies Majors, as well as your Elective and Compulsory and Foundational Modules
Senior Years
In your third and fourth years (your senior years), your curriculum consists exclusively of Fine Arts practical modules and Art History and Image Studies modules and no Electives or other Compulsory and Foundational Modules