Fine Art

This programme aims to stimulate learning at a postgraduate level through the application of theory with practice.

Overview

Masters of Arts by dissertation, Fine Art Programme Code: ARA09

Entry Requirements

  • A personal motivation reflecting why you want to apply for a MAFA degree at the Wits Department of Fine Art and how this relates to your personal trajectory and history. Give us an idea of how this will develop your current artistic or other creative practice. (250-300 words)
  • A research proposal for the MAFA by Dissertation: this should encompass an area of research you would like to pursue, highlighting a focused research area. It should reflect a consolidated direction for both your practice during the MAFA and the theoretical component. TIP: What is your research interest and how can you develop a creative research question around it? (remember a research question is not yes or no and must be clear and focused; how do you envision this as a creative component over 2-3 years?; how do you imagine the dissertation unfolding in relation to the practice?; is it more experimental or traditional?; who are some of the key theorists/theoretical positions or readings that you are hoping; might inform your study? (300-500 words)
  • A detailed professional Curriculum Vitae reflecting professional experience, exhibitions, projects and education; academic writing, other kinds of creative writing.
  • All former academic transcripts of prior degrees. Please provide us with 1-2 writing samples indicative of your past level of study or professional experience (as you are applying for a MA study, provide us with a sample of writing equivalent at least to a BA Honours study); additionally you can also provide us with a creative writing sample that shows us how you tackle creative productions or how you write creatively or think critically through creativity or use creativity as a methodology.
  • Two referees: names, institutional affiliations and contact details.
  • A portfolio of 10 images. These images could take the form of digital still images (if so please present as a pdf), film stills or link to a website (or for video formats a Vimeo or Youtube link). This can be submitted in a digital format such as a flash drive etc. Your portfolio of work should reflect your practice up to the present. TIP: As the portfolio represents both you and your work, please give the visual presentation at the postgraduate level good consideration as the application is reviewed not just by the Departmental Committee, but by School and Faculty Representatives in final decision-making. (This should be noted when choosing writing samples and writing the research proposals as well.)
  • Additional documents: (e.g. SAQA certification of any internationally obtained degrees and transcripts, proof of English-language proficiency)

The above should be sent to the WSOA PG Administrator: PG.WSOA@wits.ac.za. If you have any queries about the above please feel free to contact the Dept of Fine Arts Postgraduate Coordinator: Prof Sharlene Khan: sharlene.khan@wits.ac.za.

Please note: even if your application is reviewed positively we may still require an interview according to Faculty rules

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 

Wits University and the Wits School of Arts recognises prior learning and experience of applicants and assesses these towards the admission of applicants into undergraduate or postgraduate study or towards the granting of exemption, full or partial credit of one or more courses. Prior learning is recognised as having been acquired through formal, non-formal or informal routes. No applicant under the age of 26 may apply for RPL. RPL will be consider for the BA (Hons) in the field of Fine Arts and the Master of Arts in Fine Arts postgraduate programmes only. If you are interested in finding out more about applying for RPL in the Department of Fine Art, then please contact either Prof Sharlene Khan or the WSOA PG Administrator.

Additional entry requirements may apply.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.