Course General Description

The MA in Visual Arts (MAVA) programme offers an opportunity for specialised postgraduate research in studio production and theory within the broader areas of Visual Communication Design, Illustration, Jewellery Design and Fine Art. The programme promotes the development of each student’s particular interests, skills and ideas. Students are expected to conduct independent practical and theoretical research of an advanced, in-depth standard that reflects an awareness of a contemporary South African context. Research that is practice-based in its methodology, thus research wherein the relationship between practice and theory is dialogical and interrelated, not only in the research process, but also in the final presentation of the research project, is encouraged.

School General Description

Stellenbosch University (SU) is home to an academic community of 29 000 students (including 4 000 foreign students from 100 countries) as well as 3 000 permanent staff members (including 1 000 academics) on five campuses. ​The historical oak-lined university town amongst the Boland Mountains in the winelands of the Western Cape creates a unique campus atmosphere, which attracts local and foreign students alike. On the main campus, paved walkways wind between campus buildings – some dating from previous centuries; others just a few years old. Architecture from various eras attests to the sound academic foundation and establishment of an institution of excellence. This, together with the scenic beauty of the area; state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facilities and technology, as well as visionary thinking about the creation of a sustainable 21st-century institution, makes for the unique character of Stellenbosch University.