FACULTY OF ARTS

School of Communication Studies

The School of Communication Studies, which started in 1959 as Press Science, currently houses the subject groups Graphic Design, Art History, and Communication. The School consists of a team of dynamic and primarily young academics with a unique combination of particular career expertise and academic qualifications.

The module contents have been recurriculated (and is regularly revised) in order to stay innovative and up to date. The latest technology and software is also used in instruction. Only a limited amount of students are selected in order to insure quality. The School aims to deliver students who are able to solve relevant problems, who can stand their ground in the Southern African industry and who are able to think innovatively.

Regarding visual communication, the subject groups of Graphic Design and Art History are at the forefront. In 2009 the training in Graphic Design at this School was regarded by the SA Brand Council to be the best in South Africa and this institution has been under the top 5 institutions in graphic design instruction for the past 5 years. Students are also recognised continually based on the numerous competitions that they have won over the past years.

In terms of written and spoken communication, students in Communication, after a basic education in fundamental communication concepts, have the opportunity to specialize in their third or honours years  in one of the following subfields: Journalism, Corporate Communication Management, Corporate Media, Development Communication, or Video.

On a post-graduate level students in Art History or Communication may obtain a MA or PhD and a practice-oriented MA in Graphic Design.