The University of Namibia (UNAM) Department of Visual and Performing Arts

Overview

The Department of visual and Performing Arts in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences builds knowledge and practical skills in Music, Drama and Visual Arts. Subjects taught in the department range from acquiring knowledge and strengthening skills in Music performance, Dance, Video production, music technology, acting, directing, stage crafts, stage directing, script development, painting, sculpting, fashion design, ceramics and photography. 

The Department offers courses that are part of the BA Honours degree in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as the Faculty of Education. Students registered in the department may major in any one of the three sections in the department, namely Music, drama or Visual Arts. Each section in the department also offers a Diploma as well as a Master’s degree and the possibility of doctoral studies. 

UNAM Visual and Performing Arts Courses Offered

UNAM UNDERGRADUATE ARTS COURSE

Art for Advertising (part of: Bachelor of Arts)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Ceramics Studies

Creative Expression – (part of: Bachelor of Arts)

Drama – (part of: Bachelor of Arts)

Drama – Performance – Diploma

Drama – Production – Diploma

Fashion Studies – (part of: Bachelor of Arts)

Music – Diploma

Music – (part of: Bachelor of Arts)

Textiles Studies – (part of: Bachelor of Arts)

Visual Arts – Higher Diploma

Visual Culture (part of: Bachelor of Arts)

UNAM Visual and Performing Arts Undergraduate Requirements:

To register for an undergraduate degree programme a candidate must hold a valid Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) or a recognised equivalent qualification.

English is a compulsory subject and should normally have been obtained as English as a Second Language at NSSCO level with a minimum C symbol, or English as a First Language at NSSCO level with a minimum D symbol.

A candidate should obtain a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM Evaluation Point Scale in his/her five (5) best subjects (of which English must be one) to be admitted to undergraduate studies (cf. 7.3 General Admission Criteria for Undergraduate Programmes in the General Information and Regulations Yearbook). Obtaining the minimum number of points, however, does not necessarily ensure admission. Admission is based on places available in Courses, subjects and programmes and is awarded on the basis of merit.

In addition to the above, admission to the Tourism, Geography and Environmental Studies courses require at least a D symbol in Mathematics on NSSC level or the equivalent and/or at least a C symbol in Geography at NSSC level or the equivalent.

The University reserves the right to interview students before admission.

Certain Courses, subjects or programmes may require special written application by and/or screening of candidates before admission is considered. Candidates who do not meet the requirements for admission to such Courses, subjects or programmes may, however, register for any other Courses, subjects or programmes to which they are admitted subject to relevant University and Faculty regulations.

Admission can also be considered for persons who qualify through the Mature Age Entry Scheme upon successful completion of the relevant examinations as set out in the General Regulations (cf. 7.4 Mature Age Entry Scheme in the General Information and Regulations Yearbook). A special application form is available for this purpose.

UNAM POSTGRADUATE ARTS COURSE

Master of Arts – Master of Arts Degree

The aim of the programme is to empower students with the competencies to design and execute research projects, and produce postgraduate students equipped with the knowledge, skills and motivation to conduct research and publish their research findings. The Faculty may award the degree Master of Arts (MA) in the following disciplines, subject to the general regulations for Master’s degree studies.

UNAM Master of Arts Degree Requirements:

• Prospective candidates must be in possession of a relevant Bachelor’s degree at NQF Level 8 with at least a C grade average (i.e. 60%), or a good postgraduate diploma from a recognised institution.
• Subject to the relevant regulations for admission to postgraduate studies, a candidate should have completed at least two years of field experience in social work to qualify for admission to the MA programme in Social Work.
• Candidates who intend to pursue MA degree studies should approach the head of the department in which they intend to undertake their studies before 31 October of the year preceding intended registration.
• Prospective candidates will be required to write a one page submission to articulate the goals of their undertaking MA studies, and the Faculty reserves the right to interview applicants.
• Submission of an application for admission to the MA programme does not ensure admission to the programme.

Performing Arts – Master of Arts Degree

The MA (Performing Arts) programme offers various options to obtain a postgraduate qualification in the performing arts. A variety of options, related to performance, teaching, culture and research is offered and are dependent on the choice of the student after consultation with the Department. This programme is recommended and appropriate for all performing arts practitioners.

UNAM Performing Arts – Master of Arts Degree Requirements:

• To qualify for admission to the MA (Performing Arts) programme, a candidate must normally be in possession of the any of the following qualifications with a final mark in the major(s) of that qualification which complies with the University’s regulations regarding admission to postgraduate studies:
  • a recognised four-year Bachelor’s degree
  • a recognised Honours degree
  • a recognised postgraduate diploma
  • a recognised qualification e quivalent to the above
• Students who wish to register for the MA (Performing Arts) programme should apply in writing to the Head of Department before 31 October of the year preceding intended registration
• The right of admission rests with the Department, Faculty and Senate
• Students who are admitted to the MA (Performing Arts) programme may be required to do additional Courses, before or together with the programme.
• Students will not be allowed to major in fields for which their previous qualifications do not qualify them

The University of Namibia Contacts

(+264) 61 206 3111(+264) 61 206 3199info@unam.na

University of Namibia
Private Bag 13301
Windhoek, Namibia