Master of Visual Arts (MVA) – Overview
The Faculty of Visual Arts is pleased to introduce the two-year Master of Visual Arts (MVA) postgraduate program, commencing in November 2025. This transformative degree places Studio Practice at the core of learning, treating creative work as a primary research method.
Central to the program is the Creative Thesis, combining a public exhibition of your artistic work with a written exegesis that critically reflects on your practice.
The MVA is designed for:
Individuals who satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
- You must have an Honours Degree from a recognised university or a similar qualification. Practicing artists seeking to deepen their engagement with contemporary art.
- You should qualify for SLQF level 6 or higher in a relevant subject.
- You need a professional qualification that is equivalent to SLQF level 6 or higher.
- You should have postgraduate qualifications in a related field.
- You must complete NVQ level 7 with a minimum GPA of 3.0, as decided by UVPA’s academic authority.
- You may have other qualifications or experience that the Faculty Board and Senate view as equivalent.
Throughout the program, students will:
- Enhance visual literacy and the ability to critically analyse artworks.
- Explore key ideas shaping contemporary visual culture.
- Advance their studio practice to produce a professional body of work for exhibition.
Our community of experienced art practitioners fosters experimentation across diverse media, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, multidisciplinary design, textiles and wearable arts, and ceramics. The MVA offers a stimulating environment to push creative boundaries and cultivate innovative, impactful art.
Program Structure
The Master of Visual Arts (MVA) is a two-year, full-time postgraduate program totaling 60 credits (3,000 notional hours).
The students will attend lectures and studio practice on Saturdays and Sundays.
Year 1
- Theory – 12 credits | 180 contact hours
- Major Studio I – 15 credits | 450 contact hours
- Minor Studio (Elective) – 3 credits | 90 contact hours
Total: 30 credits | 675 contact hours (1,500 notional hours)
Year 2
- Theory – 3 credits | 45 contact hours
- Major Studio II – 9 credits | 270 contact hours
- Creative Thesis – 18 credits | 315 contact hours
Total: 30 credits | 630 contact hours (1,500 notional hours)
Course Details – First Academic Year
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAHT 510103 | Visual Arts Research Methods and Methodology | 3 | Introduces key research concepts and their applications in visual arts. Covers thesis and hypothesis design, qualitative and quantitative research methods, writing styles for art studies, and critical analysis. Includes time management strategies to support productive research and writing. |
| VAHT 510203 | History of Contemporary Visual Art | 3 | Examines global art developments since the Cold War, including globalization, postcolonialism, feminism, and digital art. Features case studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and explores concepts such as hybridity, identity, and multiculturalism in relation to socio-political contexts and activism. |
| VAHT 530203 | Contemporary Visual Art Theories (Seminar) | 3 | Engages students with key transformations in contemporary art through research papers, debates, and group presentations. Focuses on theoretical frameworks, socio-political contexts, and critical analysis. Includes reflective journals, seminar discussions, and selected readings. |
| VAHT 530103 | Contemporary Art Issues: Art History Seminar | 3 | Explores postmodernism, feminist and queer theory, Marxist and postcolonial critiques, and exhibition culture. Analyzes how socio-political issues influence art production and curatorial practice through case studies of contemporary artworks and artists. |
| VAPA 530115 / VASC 530115 / VAVC 530115 / VAPM 530115 / VAMD 530115 / VAMA 530115 / VACE 530115 / VATW 530115 | Master Studio I | 15 | Provides intensive studio practice within the chosen visual arts field. Encourages new approaches, self-directed study, and weekly critiques. Emphasizes non-Eurocentric perspectives and contemporary/global art issues, laying the foundation for the individual creative project. |
Postgraduate Studio Electives: Select One Course Unit
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| VAPA 530103 | Postgraduate Painting Studio | 3 |
| VASC 530103 | Postgraduate Sculpture Studio | 3 |
| VAVC 530103 | Postgraduate Visual Communication Studio | 3 |
| VAPM 530103 | Postgraduate Printmaking Studio | 3 |
| VAMD 530103 | Postgraduate Multidisciplinary Design Studio | 3 |
| VATW 530103 | Postgraduate Textile & Wearable Arts Studio | 3 |
| VACE 530103 | Postgraduate Ceramics Studio | 3 |
| VAMA 530103 | Postgraduate Multimedia Art Studio | 3 |
Second Academic Year – Course Details (30 Credits)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAHT 610103 | Writing Seminar | 3 | Guides students in preparing seminar papers focused on technical, theoretical, and methodological aspects of their theses. Develops skills to critically justify, analyze, and evaluate creative processes and arguments throughout their chapters. |
| VAPA 610109 / VASC 610109 / VAVC 610109 / VAPM 610109 / VAMD 610109 / VAMA 610109 / VACE 610109 / VATW 610109 | Master Studio II | 9 | Building on Master Studio I, this course addresses creative, technical, conceptual, contextual, and expressive challenges within students’ individual work. Supports development of confidence and creative problem-solving necessary for their projects. |
| VAPA 610109 / VASC 610109 / VAVC 610109 / VAPM 610109 / VAMD 610109 / VAMA 610109 / VACE 610109 / VATW 610109 | Creative Thesis: Practical Component | 9 | Students undertake a comprehensive creative project culminating in a public exhibition and artist statement. The course covers project development, research, production techniques, exhibition planning, documentation, and self-reflection. |
| VAPA 610109 / VASC 610109 / VAVC 610109 / VAPM 610109 / VAMD 610109 / VAMA 610109 / VACE 610109 / VATW 610109 | Creative Thesis: Written Exegesis | 9 | Involves producing a 20,000–25,000 word exegesis analyzing theoretical frameworks, contextual factors, aesthetics, art history, and critical reflections related to the creative thesis. Emphasizes rigorous research, clear argumentation, and intellectual engagement with artistic practice. |
Fees
- Course Fee: Rs. 290,000.00 in three instalments (subject to confirmation)
- Library Fee: Rs. 2,000.00
- Examination Fees: As applicable
Application Process
- Submit your application directly to the Faculty of Visual Arts (online or by post).
- Submit or upload your portfolio via the online portal.
- Attend the interview.
After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions on the next steps.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- An Honors Degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification (per SLQF criteria).
- Qualification at SLQF level 6 or above in a relevant field.
- A professional qualification equivalent to SLQF level 6 or above.
- Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant area.
- Completion of NVQ level 7 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (scale 0-4), as determined by UVPA academic authorities.
- Other qualifications or experience deemed equivalent by the Faculty Board and Senate.
The relevant subject area will be determined by UVPA academic authorities. Applications under the latter categories will be assessed individually.
Application Supporting Documents
- An abstract of your creative or research area and proposed topic, prepared with guidance from a UVPA lecturer willing to supervise.
- Details of funding (grant or self-funded), if applicable.
- Names and contact details of two referees, including one academic referee familiar with your creative and scholarly background.
- Official transcripts sent directly to the Faculty Registrar if your first degree was obtained outside UVPA.
Portfolio Requirements
A digital collection of artwork in formats such as JPEG (images), PDF (documents), and video/audio (time-based work).
Selection Procedure
Applications are reviewed by the Program Coordinator and eligible candidates are invited for an interview.