Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts

A primary purpose of the programme is to equip students with a broad understanding of the role of the visual arts in society and practical competencies in a range of studio-based subjects.

A further purpose is to foster the acquisition of more detailed knowledge of selected areas in historical and theoretical fields and develop advanced capabilities in selected studio disciplines.

The training of art educators, technicians, designers, and art administrators forms a part of the purpose of the programme, this through relevant groundwork studies.

Courses of study necessary for professional practice in museology, curatorial work, research and documentation, and visual media productions are provided for in the programme.

The programme aims to direct and develop creative capacities towards working as an artist. Participants in the programme have exposure to and gain insight into the production and reception of visual artefacts drawn from diverse cultures.

A Bachelors degree

Recognition may be given for prior learning at other institutions, including those in the non-formal sector, as well as for informally acquired artistic capabilities.

The achievement of this qualification means that the learner can

• Demonstrate, in portfolio and exhibition format, a broad knowledge of several studio practical disciplines and an advanced knowledge of two or more specialized media.
• Attain advanced levels of interpretative and critical capability and be able to contextualise historically a broad range of cultural practices and products.
• Demonstrate independent critical and evaluative capacities will have been developed as well as the ability to conduct basic research, with assistance and direction.
• Work effectively and cooperatively, as a member of a studio-based unit will have been acquired along with the necessary organisational capacities.

Evidence generated through assessment tasks shows that the learner can

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the general field of inquiry.
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of specific areas of inquiry in the programme.
• Understand the interrelationships amongst various areas of the field of knowledge.
• Analyse components/issues/factors/structures etc.
• Grasp the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the area of study.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current critical debates.
• Summarize, compare and evaluate a substantial body of knowledge.
• Construct a sustained argument; formulate questions and work towards solutions.
• Command the conceptual discourse of the field of study.
• Solve problems, both theoretical and applied.
• Demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the discipline.
• Contextualise this study within social environment and the historical understanding.
• Develop a clear understanding of the historical and contemporary state and possible future of the disciplinary areas, which he/she is working.
• Command academic English at an appropriate level.
• Demonstrate familiarity with information technology at an appropriate level.
• Understand diversity
• Manage individual study
• Work efficiently with groups
• Present findings at an appropriate level, both orally and in writing.
• Integrate information, conduct research, and contextualise aspects of language, literature and/or culture and understand what is needed for social development, with values consistent with social responsibility and the redress of disadvantage.

Integrated assessment

The University of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification

The programme is expected to meet SAQA and University critical outcomes and requirements for graduates' in that

Study practice is problem-bound; independent and creative thinking is required in all disciplines via structured assignments, presentation skills, research skills, entrepreneurial skills and information technology capabilities are integral to the content and conduct of the programme overall, studio and theoretical components of the programme aim to promote an understanding of the values, the ethics and the implicit responsibilities integral to studies and practices in a cultural arena.

Formative: continuous; through project assignments, class tests, essays in History of Art and periodic grading of practical assignments in studio disciplines.

50% of final course mark in all History of Art courses comprises continuous formative assessment procedures

Summative: essay format examination in History of Art; joint staff assessment of portfolio or exhibition of studio practical work in Fine Art.