The Bachelor of Visual Arts Honours (BVA Hons)
Why choose BVA Hons?
The Bachelor of Visual Arts Honours is designed for graduates who want to advance their creative practice through sustained, research-led inquiry. The programme provides a structured transition from undergraduate study to postgraduate-level work, emphasising independence, critical thinking, and academic rigour.
Students undertake a self-directed research project supported by discipline-specific supervision and advanced theoretical engagement. The qualification prepares graduates for professional creative practice, interdisciplinary work, or further postgraduate study.
Programme Overview
The Bachelor of Visual Arts Honours develops advanced creative practice alongside rigorous academic and research engagement. The programme prepares students for professional, interdisciplinary and research-driven work within contemporary visual and design arts contexts.
The qualification is offered in the following streams: Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Fashion Design, and Textile Design. While each stream maintains its focus, the programme encourages cross-disciplinary thinking in response to hybrid creative industries, technological innovation, and collaborative modes of practice.
Students are supported to critically examine visual and design practices within broader social, cultural, economic, environmental, and political contexts. On completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
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Produce advanced, research-informed creative work suitable for competitive professional environments
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Demonstrate entrepreneurial awareness through effective communication, innovation, and business practice
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Apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills to both theory and practice
Programme Structure
The BVA Hons has a strong research focus centred on a self-directed project aligned with the student’s discipline. The core of the programme consists of two closely integrated modules. Although assessed separately, these modules form a single, coherent research project. For more information on the stream-major’s consult the
Faculty of Humanities Prospectus.
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Kxx410: Studio Practice (30 credits): practice-based research and creative production
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Kxx420: Studio Research (48 credits): written research that contextualises and supports studio work
All students also complete the following compulsory modules:
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KVS410: Art, Design and Culture (18 credits)
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KRA410: Research Methodology: Art and Design (12 credits)
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KIS410: Visual Arts Professional Practice (12 credits)
Research and Academic Development
The Research Methodology module introduces students to research design, theory, and methodology. The module culminates in a formal research proposal, which guides the development of both studio and written research.
Practice-Based Learning
Studio Practice and Studio Research modules are discipline-specific and support independent, research-led creative inquiry. The relationship between theory and practice is reinforced through critique sessions, reflective journaling, discussion, and debate.
While technical proficiency is essential, equal emphasis is placed on:
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conceptual development
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critical reflection
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experimentation and innovation
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree or an equivalent qualification. Students may only register for the Honours stream that continues from their undergraduate major. Applicants who do not meet the formal requirements may be considered in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy.
Selection Criteria
Selection takes place at the end of the academic year and is based on:
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Students may be required to attend an interview and submit a portfolio of relevant, or required work, appropriate to their discipline
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The student must pass all modules in the Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree.
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At least 65% in Visual Studies III (KVS310) and at least 65% in each Studio Major III module is mandatory.
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In addition, students who have majored in Fine Arts must attain a 65% or higher in Drawing III (KDR310).
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Students may be required to complete a challenge test to finalise the selection process.
Duration
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Minimum of one-year full-time study
Attendance and Assessment
80% attendance is compulsory and non-negotiable. Students must write a minimum of 80% of all theory tests and submit at least 80% of all practical assignments/projects (medical certificates will only be taken into account for the other 20%).
Qualification Details