Master of Visual Arts

1. Primary purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is to enable graduates to become specialists in the field of the visual arts or a multidisciplinary or arts-related field by gaining in-depth, abstract knowledge in a complex area of study.

2. Secondary purposes

2.1 The MVA degree provides South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who can synthesise information autonomously in the field of the visual arts or a multidisciplinary or arts-related field and with leaders who can handle contradictions and evaluate highly complex problems independently.

2.2 The MVA degree provides South Africa (and other countries) with people who can demonstrate specialised and/or multidisciplinary leadership, self-reflexivity and adaptability in their society and who are empowered to play that role.

2.3 The MVA degree provides the South African, African and global communities with graduates who will meet the requirements to register for a variety of professional qualifications with the relevant statutory body.

Learners who register for this qualification can

• use a variety of sources, for example visual, published, documentary and oral.
• demonstrate mastery of the field of visual arts or a multidisciplinary or arts-related field.
• take responsibility for their own progress.

Recognition of prior learning

This qualification recognises

• formal prior learning

Students' prior accredited learning at tertiary level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units is recognised. Recognition will be given to modules that were completed at other tertiary institutions provided that such modules achieve the same learning outcome and that the tuition of such modules is of a similar standard to that of the Department of Art History and Visual Arts of UNISA.

• non-formal and informal prior experiential learning.

The qualification may be awarded in part or as a whole through the recognition of prior learning (RPL). Current legislation requires that students complete 50% of their qualification at the institution which issues the certification so for now up to 50% of the degree may be awarded through RPL.

Critical cross-field

All critical cross-field outcomes will be embedded appropriately in the modules, which constitute the programmes that lead up to the qualification. Since this degree is aimed at providing learning with both theoretical and practical knowledge, assessment criteria are set within the context of both the disciplines of Art History and Visual Arts or within the context of a multidisciplinary or arts-related field. The distance education context has particular challenges, which we try to meet below.

1. The MVA graduate can identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems of professional, individual, cultural and societal kinds, critically, creatively and responsibly.
2. The MVA graduate can work effectively with others as a leader of a team, group, organisation, community, and provide leadership to the group output in tasks growing out of the field of the visual arts or a multidisciplinary or arts-related field.
3. The MVA graduate can manage and organise the activities of others responsibly and effectively.
4. The MVA graduate can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information at an advanced and specialised level as required in the pursuit of the MVA.
5. The MVA graduate can communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of verbal and visual presentation.
6. The MVA graduate can use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well being of others in community, national and global contexts.
7. The MVA graduate can demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.

Developmental

In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learners and the social and economic development of the society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of the following developmental outcomes:

1. The MVA graduate can reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
2. The MVA graduate can play a leading role as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities.
3. The MVA graduate can be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
4. The MVA graduate can explore education and career opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.
5. The MVA graduate can develop entrepreneurial opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.

Specific

An MVA student is actively engaged in becoming an expert in his/her field. As such he/she develops and holds certain values and generates knowledge and skills to achieve his/her purposes. The specific outcomes show how knowledge, skills and values are integrated in the qualification in the SAQA fields of Culture and Arts (02).

Associated with the MVA graduate's specific area of specialisation and/or programme, he/she can

1. Analyse, transform and evaluate existing knowledge by systematically and effectively applying the principles of sound theoretical and practical research practice.
2. Engage in advanced independent critical thinking and apply his/her knowledge of methodology and theory in creative problem solving, often within an interdisciplinary context.
3. Communicate effectively the defined area of research within the discipline/field of study, and the results of that research.
4. Display advanced technical knowledge within the field of visual arts or the context of a multidisciplinary or arts-related field.
5. Display advanced professional skills in professional art practice within the field of visual arts or the context of a multidisciplinary or arts-related field.

Critical cross-field

Evidence generated through a theoretical dissertation and practical visual research, or tasks in study materials, written (and, in some cases, oral) assignments, portfolio tasks, projects, case studies, examinations and a dissertation of limited scope, will show that graduates can:

1.

• identify, analyse and solve complex and advanced problems inherent to the field of the visual arts or a multidisciplinary or arts-related field by drawing on their own experience as well as on theoretical and practical knowledge.
• use their knowledge and expertise to resolve contextual abstract problems that expand or reconfigure existing knowledge within the field of the visual arts or a multidisciplinary or arts-related field.
• use their knowledge and expertise to resolve practical problems that expand or reconfigure existing knowledge within the field of art practice.

2.

• demonstrate respect for the opinion of others without bias through written and/or oral reporting as well as through art practice.
• direct theoretical and practical visual arts projects and successfully interact with others.
• use effective leadership skills.
• organise others into effective working groups, for instance by initiating art tuition, discourse and studio practice.
• communicate the evidence of these group interactions through written and/or oral reporting as well as through art practice.

3.

• demonstrate the requisite theoretical and practical skills and learning strategies at an advanced level.
• organise their study plans and engage in effective time management.
• assess their own strengths and weaknesses and evolve strategies best suited to their own and others' situations and contexts.
• think independently and offer sustained theoretical and practical evidence to support their decisions.

4.

• use the full range of library and other resources, including visual resources, at an advanced level.
• integrate complex and specialised information from a variety of sources, especially visual.
• critically and creatively analyse and generate evaluation and synthesis of information, practical skills and concepts at an abstract level.
• act responsibly as a professional artist, researcher and scholar (e.g., appropriate and accurate referencing, avoiding plagiarism, etc.).
• use the conventions of scholarship in the field of the visual arts or a multidisciplinary or arts-related field.
• suggest complex and advanced arguments within a major research area.

5.

• communicate their ideas lucidly and coherently and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.
• generate ideas at a complex level as well as use the ideas of others in support of their own (without plagiarism, etc.).
• evaluate and communicate conclusions and premises in their own theoretical and practical visual research.
• use language competently in written (and/or oral) conventions relevant to the discipline.
• impart knowledge and skills in an effective and sustained visual mode of presentation.

6.

• use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
• select technology to suit the needs of the individual or group.
• use and promote the use of natural resources in a sustainable way.
• show respect for and a responsible attitude towards science and technology.
• demonstrate a consideration of the ethics involved in science and technology issues.
• show respect and openness towards the psychological, health and physical environment of others.
• use science and technology to enhance or extend the parameters of visual arts presentations

7.

• demonstrate their prior knowledge and experience as it is relevant within the field of the visual arts or a multidisciplinary or arts-related field.
• connect the abstract knowledge of theory to the reality of their individual contexts.
• draw upon their prior knowledge (personal and abstract) and personal experience as appropriate when investigating and analysing the world around them.
• look beyond and across traditional disciplinary boundaries for possible solutions.
• demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the discipline.

Developmental

1.

• apply what they study in different contexts, both personal and public, real and simulated.
• show evidence of advanced study and research skills, selection, analysis and evaluation.

2.

• manage diversity and use appropriate conflict-resolution skills.
• provide the leadership in the community in the field of visual arts.
• apply what they know and study in culturally diverse contexts.
• apply what they know and study at different levels, from personal to professional to academic contexts.

3.

• value and explore aesthetic and cultural diversity within the context of the visual arts.
• use various skills to draw out the cultural accomplishments and contents of others (e.g., listening skills, empathy, sympathy open-mindedness, etc.).

4.

• use the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in studying towards the MVA in the service of the community at large (local and global).
• practically apply knowledge in the real world.
• identify the MVA skills which are highly valued in the workplace within the relevant discipline.
• use the skills required for efficiency in most jobs: imaginative intelligence, creativity, emotional maturity, effective communication skills, thoughtful accuracy and interpersonal sensitivity.
• deal effectively with complex problems and tasks set them on the job, in the real world, by drawing upon the skills from the MVA (critical and creative thinking, artistic creativity).
• demonstrate a work ethic that shows responsibility and accountability towards the employer and the client or community.

5.

• create job opportunities in whatever situation they find themselves.
• have a realistic view of their own worth and value to contribute to their local community and global society.
• communicate that value to others in the real world through, for instance, organising exhibitions and private tuition.
• demonstrate a healthy self-esteem and confidence in their knowledge, skills and attitudes as required to complete the MVA qualification.
• deal with various complex situations with flexibility and adaptability.

Specific

Evidence generated through a theoretical dissertation and practical visual research, or tasks in study materials, written (and, in some cases, oral) assignments, portfolio tasks, projects, case studies, examinations and a dissertation of limited scope, will show that graduates can:

1.

• provide an autonomous and coherent review and integration of recent and major literature relevant to the area of visual research.
• provide an autonomous and coherent review and integration of recent and major visual production relevant to the area of research.
• clearly demarcate the scope of the research and isolate relevant issues.
• formulate advanced responses to resolve complex visual, concrete and abstract problems.
• are thoroughly conversant with the research methods relevant to the area of research.
• document the problem statement and aims and objectives, the research design or plan, modus operandi, results and conclusions in an academically respectable and acceptable manner.

2.

• analyse and synthesise variable, complex and specialised information to show its relevance to the area of research.
• independently report on and evaluate information within the area of research.
• develop a logical argument and understanding of such argument.
• demonstrate an understanding of a conceptual approach to art practice.
• show critical acumen.
• show independence and insight.
• show highly developed creative and generative proficiency.
• analyse complex data independently.
• apply theory to practice.

3.

• present both theoretical and practical material professionally, logically and systematically.
• argue logically and coherently.
• communicate using style and visual presentation appropriate to the visual arts.
• provide a good critical overview of visual texts.

4.

• document research with complete accuracy.
• use a systematic and consistent approach to technical issues in the context of art practice as well as to issues such as the layout of the dissertation or other required projects.
• use advanced technical knowledge within a range of visual arts media.

5.

• conceptualise a visual research project.
• research a visual research project coherently and professionally.
• articulate and substantiate a visual research project coherently and professionally.
• execute and complete a visual research project coherently and professionally.
• present a visual research project coherently and professionally.
• use knowledge and skills of entrepreneurship to set up his/her own professional art practice.
• use theoretical and practical knowledge of and skills in art theory and practice to act in consultative capacity for various kinds of organisations.
• use theoretical and practical knowledge of and skills in art theory and practice to organise exhibitions of various kinds.
• use theoretical and practical knowledge of and skills in art theory and practice to create various kinds of art-related products for various kinds of purposes.

Integrated assessment for the purpose of the qualification

1. Formative assessment: Learning and assessment are integrated. Formative assessment is a continuous and a personal process of interaction in Curricula A, B and C encompassing both theoretical and practical visual research. In Curriculum C Master's degrees, the formative assessment includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. I n Curricula A, B and C the assessment process is continuous. In Curriculum C the focus is on smaller sections of the work.
2. Summative assessment: In Curricula A, B and C students will produce a theoretical work in the form of articles and a research catalogue, or a mini-dissertation, as well as practical work. In Curriculum C students will write examinations. Equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence could assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. It also focuses on the integration of skills and knowledge in the production of art works.
3. Integrated assessment: All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence.