Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication Course Requirements at Open Window
Open Window Institute · Postgraduate Studies
The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication is a bachelor Honours Degree offered by Open Window for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time (extended) to complete. This page covers the minimum admission requirements you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Minimum Admission Requirements to study Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication at Open Window
- A relevant undergraduate qualification at NQF level 7 that includes both theory and practical components
- A portfolio of creative work
- A CV
- Academic transcripts
- A motivation letter and a draft honours proposal
- A selection interview
About this course
This honours degree (SAQA ID 62991, NQF 8, 120 credits) is for graduates who want to deepen a creative specialisation through practice-led research. Although it is called Visual Communication, students can specialise in any field Open Window teaches, from design and photography to film, animation and creative technology.
Modules and credits:
- Research Methodologies (10 credits)
- Critical Discourses (10 credits)
- Research essay (40 credits)
- Creative Practice, structured and portfolio work (60 credits)
Specialisation options include Communication Design, Illustration, Photography, Film and Television, Sound Design, Production Design, Screen Acting, Screenwriting, Motion Design, 3D Animation, Game Design, User Experience Design, Interactive Development and Industrial Product Design.
The programme suits people who want to move their academic path forward, gain independent research experience, sharpen a specialisation or grow a stronger portfolio. You can study full-time over one year or on an extended two-year basis, and teaching is available at the Centurion, Johannesburg and Stellenbosch campuses through campus, online and self-study modes.
Completing honours prepares you for senior creative roles and for master's study, including Open Window's planned Master of Applied Arts in Creative Arts and Technologies.
Possible careers
Course intelligence for Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Good sign: Director appears on South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand, a Department of Higher Education and Training analysis of employer hiring activity. Employers have been reporting real recruitment pressure for this role, which generally works in your favour once you’ve completed Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like Open Window. Ask Open Window directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Open Window’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with Open Window and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Contact a student advisor or complete the enquiry form, then submit your portfolio, CV, transcripts, motivation letter and honours proposal (a template is on the programme page). Pay the R1 750 application fee and attend a selection interview. Once accepted, pay the R12 000 registration fee and register online.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Open Window Institute’s own official application page.
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Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.openwindow.co.za/bachelor-of-arts-honours-in-visual-communication/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Open Window Institute before applying.