Visual Art Studies (Major)

The Visual Art Studies Program offers a unique and intriguing synthesis of art history, curatorial studies, and studio art to lay a broad and solid foundation for an array of careers in the visual arts. Graduates receive a globally recognized degree, accredited in the US and EU, and earn it in just three years.

School intro

Accreditation	WASC
Degree	Bachelor of Arts
Duration	3 years
Location	Prague, CZ
Tuition EU	31 781 USD
Tuition NON-EU	36 679 USD
Intake	Fall / Spring
Deadline	Rolling Admission

Apply Now Note: This amount represents the total cost for the full degree.

About the program

The BA in Visual Art Studies (VAS) program is a compelling fusion of varied artistic disciplines, art history, curatorial studies, and studio practice in traditional fine art genres, taught by practicing professionals active in both the local and international art scenes. Designed to produce individuals who are well-educated, versatile, and skilled across a broad range of media, the VAS program positions graduates for success in their chosen field, while also laying the groundwork for further studies.

Program highlights:

A varied and integrated curriculum combining art history & theory, art studio practice, and art management & curatorial studies
Instruction in the theory and practice of both classical and contemporary art, including new media
An exploration of the digital age looking at the role of AI in art production and addressing questions of art ownership in today’s market
Real world experience, providing students the chance to actively participate in the art scene, as artists and curators
The opportunity for students to present their own work on-campus in the baroque Thurn-Taxis Palace in the center of Prague

With its classic European backdrop, the VAS program allows students to experience the history and practice of the visual arts through the living textbook that is Prague. The city has been a cultural center for many centuries and remains so today. With its active contemporary art scene, Prague boasts an extensive network of galleries and museums and is a myriad showcase of historical artistic styles, bringing the visual arts to life in a way few other places can.

The VAS program allows students to hone their knowledge and skills through exchanges and experiential learning opportunities with some of the finest art institutions in Prague, including the Academy of Arts, Architecture, & Design (UMPRUM) and the Academy of Fine Arts (AVU). Likewise, participants gain hands-on experience in curating exhibitions and managing a gallery from some of Prague’s leading curators and art historians, in institutions such as the National Gallery Prague, Kunsthalle, Museum Kampa, MeetFactory, and the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art.

Students garner invaluable experience working with prominent artists and curators in different galleries and museums around the city, while gaining a working knowledge of art promotion and marketing. Additionally, they get the chance to present their own work on-campus and organize exhibitions and art shows with fellow students.

AAU was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. It gave me start for my future career, knowledge and priceless experience of studying in international environment. I learned how to overcome difficulties, how to achieve my aspirations and goals. Even a year and half after graduation I still think of AAU as of the place which helped me to grow and understand who I want to be.

Malika Vitarigova, AAU Alumni

Program Structure

Visual Art Studies is a three-year study program. To graduate, students must accumulate 90 US credits (180 ECTS credits) by completing 30 courses. The curriculum follows a modular structure.

Modules

VAS students can choose from the following minors:

Business Administration
Humanities Society and Culture
Journalism and Media Studies
International Relations

Having passed all the required and elective courses, students complete their studies by taking a state examination covering the contents of the major module and defending their thesis.

For more information on the modular structure and the study program, please contact our admissions team at admissions@aauni.edu.

Student Work

The Hybrid Canvas: AI versus Humans. Curated by AAU student Nicole Slusser for completion of studies Spring 2023. Artists: Alexey Shahov and David Čáp. Date: May 29, 2023 at Reunion Gallery, Prague 2
Inspiratio-imitari. Curated by AAU student Klara Mahoas for completion of studies Spring 2023. Artists: Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939), Piotr Lencki, Olivier Brut, Hugues Mahoas, Adela Oliva, Siegfried Herz, Nepheli Barbas, Matous Hasa, Michaela Fenkl, Payo Sanf, Ewa Zurakowska, based in 2095, Jules Roux, Henrique, Sey, Dorota Cicatkova. Dates: May 20-June 8, 2023 at the French Institute of Prague, Gallery 35
ECOSEX. Curated by AAU student Dorota Cicatkova for completion of studies Fall 2023. Artists: Darina Alster, Kristina Bukovcatkova, Veronika Cechmankova, Eva Macekova, Martin Pondelicek. Dates: January 3-5, 2024 at the Slovak Institute in Prague
Untraditional Childhood. Painting exhibition by AAU student Annushka Litchie (invited to be part of the 8th annual Lednice-Valtice Music Festival). Dates: September 28-October 30, 2023 at Havlicek Villa, Breclav-Postorna (South Moravia)

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the B.A. in Visual Art Studies program:

Possess a solid grounding in art history
Possess practical experience in curating and art management
Understand the complex world of art, from historical, theoretical, and economical perspectives
Have actively participated in the contemporary art scene
Are prepared for advanced studies in art history, curatorial studies, and studio art, as well as fellowships in research and curatorship
Can communicate decisively and strategically in verbal and written English

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies in art history or curatorial studies or to pursue global careers in areas such as:

Museum and gallery work
Curating and managing art exhibitions
New media production
Graphic design
Art criticism
Advertising
Marketing
Heritage protection and conservation
Public administration
Cultural NGOs and institutions
Academia
Research

Many internship opportunities are likewise available to VAS graduates within organizations such as Kunsthalle Praha, Centre of Contemporary Arts Gallery, Meetfactory, and various other galleries, museums, and art institutions in Prague.

Qualification Awarded

The bachelor’s degree awarded is concurrently recognized as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the United States, as per AAU’s accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, and as a Bakalář (Bc.) in the Czech Republic, as per AAU’s accreditation by the National Accreditation Bureau for Higher Education (NABHE). Graduates may select whether to use the U.S. post-nominal or the Czech pre-nominal title.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

AAU provides a wide range of scholarships, tuition discounts, and financial aid options to help make quality education more accessible. To learn please visit Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Additional information

Learn more about tuition & payment.
Learn more about undergraduate admission requirements.
Explore our FAQ section.
Should you have any further questions please email us at admissions@aauni.edu.

See what our students have to say

My Prague Experience

It's a great opportunity to study art in such a cultural center as Prague. The professors, often artists or important theoreticians on the Czech contemporary scene, take advantage of the vast possibilities and make their lectures outside of the classrooms. Earning the merit-based scholarship also motivates me to do my best. No other English university in Prague offers its students an education like AAU.

Marketa Hrehorova
Visual Arts Studies, Czech Republic

AAU is more than a university, it’s a very special community that helps create special bonds with teachers and classmates. It doesn’t put you into the box but rather teaches you to be yourself and choose your own path. It gives you just enough autonomy and support to achieve your goals.