Emma Minkley
Lecturer
Diploma in Fine Art
Accreditation: Three-Year Diploma | NQF Level 6 | 360 Credits | SAQA ID: 49864
3 Years, full-time
NQF Level 6
360 credits
SAQA ID 49864
Overview
The Diploma in Fine Art at the Ruth Prowse School of Art offers immersive, hands-on tuition designed to develop your practical artistic skills and visual literacy, seamlessly balanced with theoretical study and self-inquiry. Fine artists play a vital role in society by interpreting value systems, expressing deep observations, and responding to cultural practices. We celebrate creative authenticity and a diversity of experiences to help you build a distinct art-world identity.
Key Programme Facts
- Faculty
- Fine Art
- Duration
- 3 Years
- Credits
- 360 Credits
- Language
- English
About the Programme
Your journey begins with a comprehensive foundation that provides intensive exposure to traditional artistic methodologies. As you progress, these methods are challenged through experimentation that pushes the boundaries of contemporary practice. Learning takes place in small classes for highly individualised attention. You will learn through a dynamic mix of studio work, group discussions, and informative demonstrations led by an expert academic team who are all active, practising artists in their respective fields.
- Duration: 3 Years (Full-Time)
- Total Credits: 360 Credits (NQF Level 6 | SAQA ID: 49864)
- Language: English is the official language
Core Curriculum Topics
- Foundational and Advanced Observational Drawing.
- Painting, Contemporary Mixed Media, and Illustration.
- Traditional and Experimental Printmaking.
- Darkroom and Digital Photography.
- Visual Discourse, Cultural Studies, and Art Theory.
- Professional Practice, Entrepreneurial Skills, and Portfolio Curation.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum moves deliberately from a structured, broad-based foundation in your first year to deep creative refinement and elective specialisation in your second year. Your third year culminates in an independent focus where you produce an elected professional body of work and a major research essay.
Breakdown & Core Courses
To qualify for the undergraduate diploma, you must successfully complete a total of 360 credits broken down over three years of contact learning:
Year 1
120 credits| Module | Credits | NQF |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Drawing | 18 | 5 |
| Foundation Painting & Mixed Media | 48 | 5 |
| Foundation Printmaking | 12 | 5 |
Year 2
120 credits| Module | Credits | NQF |
|---|---|---|
| Specialisation Drawing | 12 | 6 |
| Specialisation Practical Major | 60 | 6 |
| Specialisation 1 Elective Practical Subject - Choose from Printmaking, Photography, or Illustration | 24 | 6 |
| Specialisation Cultural Studies | 18 | 7 |
| Specialisation Professional Practice | 6 | 6 |
Year 3
120 credits| Module | Credits | NQF |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Body of Work Drawing | 6 | 6 |
| Professional Body of Work Practical Major | 63 | 6 |
| Professional Body of Work Professional Portfolio | 9 | 6 |
| Professional Body of Work Extended Essay | 30 | 7 |
| Professional Body of Work Professional Practice | 12 | 7 |
Taught by practising artists
Lecturers
James Labuschagne
Lecturer
Ferdinand Kidd
Lecturer
Programme Costs
As a non-profit public benefit organisation, Ruth Prowse School of Art sets highly competitive tuition fees to actively facilitate access and address past educational imbalances. While the school supplies substantive materials and consumables for daily operations, students should budget independently for their personal creative production. Crucially, all creative work produced throughout the course belongs entirely to the student.
| Fees | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | R0There are no application fees |
| Registration Fee | R12,000Non-refundable; required to secure placement upon acceptance and included in the total annual tuition fee. |
| Tuition Fees | First Year FA Fees are R83,756. Second and Third Year FA Fees are R82,192. These includes the Registration Fee. Please note that a 10% administration levy applies to international students from non-SADC countries. |
Payment Plans & Early Settlements
Our fees are designed to stay transparent, competitive and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. Settle early for a discount, pay by the standard deadline, or apply for a monthly instalment plan.
- Full Settlement Discounts
- Receive a 10% discount if annual fees are paid in full by 15 January, or a 5% discount if settled by 15 February.
- Standard Payment Deadline
- Fees must be settled in full by 30 May annually
- Extended Monthly Plan
- An optional 9-month installment plan is available from February to October upon written board approval at the start of the year.
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
An extensive, need-based scholarship programme is available to provide full, substantive, or partial tuition support to deserving talent from previously disadvantaged communities. Funding may also be sourced to assist with creative materials and transport costs. Continued renewal of financial aid relies on maintaining a class attendance record of at least 80% and an academic average above 65%.
Fees & funding FAQsApply Now
Kickstart your creative career without upfront costs. Submit your application digitally or connect directly with our admissions team on WhatsApp.
Requirements and Deadlines
Joining the Ruth Prowse School of Art community begins with showcasing your unique creative potential and meeting our foundational academic benchmarks. Because we maintain small class sizes to ensure highly individualised attention, the school accepts a strictly limited number of students each academic year. To give your application the best chance of success, make sure to submit your original practical portfolio, written essay, and supporting academic documents well ahead of key dates to secure your place.
Admissions Requirements
Standard Academic Criteria
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 with Diploma access. Applicants must achieve at least 40% in three fundamental subjects (including English) and at least 50% in three compulsory vocational subjects.
Mature Students (Aged 23 or older)
- Candidates who do not meet standard academic criteria can apply via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway by submitting a detailed Portfolio of Evidence, a CV, and attending an interview.
International Students
- Must possess a valid study visa prior to the commencement of formal classes.
Required Application Documents
- A completed RPSA Application Form
- A certified copy of your ID or Passport
- A copy of your National Senior Certificate or latest interim Grade 12 results
The Fine Art Practical Portfolio
- 5–8 original artworks (portraiture, self-portrait, landscapes, still life, or 3D pieces) that display your conceptual capability and your handling of mixed or traditional media.
The Written Essay
- A document answering three specific questions: Why do you want to study at RPSA? Why Fine Art? Tell us about an artist or artwork you love.
Application Deadlines
- General Course Applications
- RPSA accepts a strictly limited number of students per year to maintain small class sizes; early application is highly recommended to secure a place.
- Scholarship Application Deadline
- Applications for financial assistance and scholarships must be submitted by 31 October annually.
Not ready for three years?
Try a Fine Art short course
Fine Art
Spring 2026 Art MAKE A COLLAGE
Collage, originating from the French “coller”, “to glue”. It involves creating an image by combining snippets of photographs, fabric, magazine clippings, and paper — glued onto a surface.
New dates coming soon
R682.50
View course
Fine Art
Spring 2026 Printmaking TETRA PAK ETCHING
This wonderful course introduces or expands the knowledge of Intaglio Printmaking with the creation of a Tetra Pak plate with drypoint etching.
New dates coming soon
R840
View course
Fine Art
Spring 2026 PAINTING WITH WATERCOLOUR
Discover the disciplined and rewarding art of watercolour illustration or painting.
New dates coming soon
R682.50
View course
