Master of Visual Arts

Qualification code:	98573
Qualification type:	Full Research
NQF level:	9
Total credits:	180
SAQA ID:	20925
Rules: The curriculum consists of a dissertation that incorporates a research proposal to be completed within the first year of study.
Purpose statement: 1. Primary purpose: The primary purpose of the qualification is to enable graduates to become specialists in the field of the visual arts or a multidisciplinary or arts-related field by gaining in-depth, abstract knowledge in a complex area of study. 2. Secondary purposes: 2.1 The MVA degree provides South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who can synthesise information autonomously in the field of the visual arts or a multidisciplinary or arts-related field and with leaders who can handle contradictions and evaluate highly complex problems independently. 2.2 The MVA degree provides South Africa (and other countries) with people who can demonstrate specialised and/or multidisciplinary leadership, self-reflexivity and adaptability in their society and who are empowered to play that role. 2.3 The MVA degree provides the South African, African and global communities with graduates who will meet the requirements to register for a variety of professional qualifications with the relevant statutory body.

Who can register?

Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa that their application for admission has been accepted. Returning students must please check their myLife e-mails for confirmation. New Unisa students will receive confirmation via the e-mail address they provided at the time of application.
Re-registering students (who made sufficient progress during the current academic year) and students who officially deferred their studies must register online during the approved registration period for 2026.
Should you wish to start a new qualification, please apply for admission during the next application period or check whether the qualification for which you intend to apply is on the list of qualifications that you can apply for until the end of June 2026.

Registration opens	Registration opens	Registration closes	Final date for payment
Master's & doctoral qualifications	7 January 2026	31 March 2026	31 March 2026
MCompt, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Business Leadership (MBL) qualifications * All GSBL students with a 7-series student number should contact the Graduate School of Business Leadership for assistance with re-registration: www.unisa.ac.za/sbl	7 January 2026	21 February 2026	21 February 2026

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. Refer to sections 4.14 and 4.15 in the Procedures for master’s and doctoral degrees.

Coursework master's degree: A maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
Research master's degree: A maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
Doctoral degree: A maximum of six years with an option to apply for one additional year.

Both you and your supervisor are responsible for ensuring that you complete your studies within the approved duration for your qualification.

Unisa has identified the following 10 Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) to be operationalised within the colleges:

If you are interested in any of these areas, please discuss it with your supervisor to incorporate one or more of the CNAs into your studies.

Please click on the modules below to see further information (eg semester/year module, NQF level)