In your first year, you won't need to buy your own camera; one will be provided for the few assignments you receive. However, once you reach the second year and choose the photography program as a specialist direction, you will be required to buy a camera so that you can have it with you at all times. This is generally an entry-level Nikon or Canon digital camera on which you can put interchangeable lenses. These specifications will be given to you when you enter the second year, and the staff also endeavour to find good used cameras from camera dealers. Our photography store room has lenses and tripods and other accessories which you can loan out for assignments.

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• Photography

A personal computer is not compulsory during the first year of study. The Department provides access to specialised computer laboratories where students are able to conduct research, complete theory assignments, and make use of the software required for their coursework. From the second year of study, students will be advised on the computer equipment recommended for their chosen discipline as they may need to run Adobe Creative Suite applications like Photoshop.

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• Contact Us

No, you do not need an Apple Mac. Many students use Windows laptops successfully. Check with your specific discipline if there are any software requirements that work better on one system. Choose a reliable laptop that can handle creative software.

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• Contact Us

We provide 90% of the materials in the first year only. We send out an email to those who have been accepted with the few items they need to purchase. From second year you may be required to buy certain items.

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• Financial Information

The department provides studio spaces, workshop tools, and some shared equipment like the 3D Printing Lab. You will have access to specialist tools during class time and scheduled studio hours. Personal items like laptops, cameras, and basic drawing materials are usually your own responsibility.

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• Facilities
• 3D Printing Lab

A phone camera is useful for quick documentation and inspiration, but it is not a substitute for professional cameras in Photography or Graphic Design assignments. As you advance, you will need proper equipment to meet professional standards. Speak to your lecturers about what level of equipment is acceptable at each stage.

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• Photography

Yes. You will need internet access for research, accessing the online learning system, submitting assignments, and communication. Nelson Mandela University provides on-campus Wi-Fi, but having internet at home will make your studies easier.

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• Learning and Teaching at Nelson Mandela University

The Department of Visual Arts subscribes to the full Adobe Creative Suite. You have access to all the applications within that as part of your registration. Generally, in photography, we focus on Bridge, Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere for video editing. In graphic design, the focus extends to Bridge, Lightroom, InDesign, and Illustrator. Students also use other programs for specialist use, but those are the core applications that the graphic design and what media industries require for photography, book design, graphic design, video production, and retouching. There are three fully equipped computer labs on North Campus and a Computer Lab at the Fashion and Textile programme on 2nd Avenue.

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• Facilities

Yes. You do not need every item on day one. The first year is structured to help you understand what you need before you make major purchases. Lecturers will advise you on when to buy specific tools and what quality to look for.

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• Bachelor of Visual Arts First Year

On the first day you will just need notebooks and pens.

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• Contact Us