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Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication at Stellenbosch Academy: Requirements for 2027
1 year full-time
to complete
NQF 8
qualification level
The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication is a bachelor Honours Degree offered by Stellenbosch Academy for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking 1 year full-time 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.
Do you qualify
Minimum Admission Requirements to study Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication at Stellenbosch Academy
- A completed BA in Visual Communication or a degree in a related field
- An average of at least 60% for both theory and practical subjects in the final year of that degree
- Certified copies of your NSC and your undergraduate degree or academic transcript
- A sample of academic writing of at least 1 500 words with proper referencing, such as a third-year research essay
- A digital creative portfolio (PDF, Behance or website) showing process and concept development, plus any freelance work, exhibitions or publications
- A motivation letter explaining why you want to do honours and what you hope to achieve
- Foreign applicants should follow the international student guidelines
What you study
About This Course
The BA Honours in Visual Communication is a one-year, full-time postgraduate programme for recent design, photography or illustration graduates, and for working creatives who want to step back and deepen their practice. The aim is for you to plan, research and deliver a substantial, self-directed visual communication project of your own.
The Academy treats theory and practice as equal partners. The year is built around three module areas:
- Contextual Studies
- Visual Studies
- Creative Practice
Teaching happens through lectures, workshops, field trips and a lot of independent study. You are assessed on your visual output, academic writing, reflective writing and presentations.
A distinctive part of the year is the Creative Exchange, where the whole class travels to a Southern African city to work on joint projects with local creative professionals. It builds collaboration skills and exposes you to other creative scenes on the continent.
By the end of the year you produce:
- an honours thesis
- a body of creative work
- a single publication that brings the thesis and the creative work together
- a physical or virtual exhibition
The qualification sits at NQF level 8 and can lead to master's study or to more senior, strategic roles in the creative industry. The SAQA ID and credits are not listed on the Academy's website.
After you graduate
Careers This Course Leads To
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 Stellenbosch Academy. Ask Stellenbosch Academy directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Stellenbosch Academy’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 Stellenbosch Academy and NSFAS.
Step by step
How to Apply at Stellenbosch Academy for 2027
Download the honours application pack from the Applications and Selections page and apply online through stellenboschacademy.studentmanager.co.za. Submit certified ID or passport, proof of the R800 non-refundable application fee, your NSC and degree transcript, a writing sample, a digital portfolio and a motivation letter. The 2027 application window runs from 3 August to 30 October 2026.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography.
Answers
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Source: Official website: https://www.stellenboschacademy.co.za/bachelor-of-arts-honours-in-visual-communication, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography before applying.