Visual Art Studies (Major)

Visual Arts Studies is taught by internationally renowned artists, art historians, and curators. Students gain a solid background in art history, an introduction to curating in connection with major art museums and galleries in Prague, as well as, studio art instruction in traditional techniques and new media. Students will also learn to navigate new digital media and understand the sometimes disruptive role that Artificial Intelligence plays in the art world of today.

Prague is a living textbook of traditional art styles, complemented by a lively international contemporary art scene. The Visual Art Studies program naturally highlights Central European developments. Prague has been a Central European arts and cultural center for many centuries. Additionally, Prague’s proximity to cultural centers such as Vienna, Berlin, Dresden, and Paris, places it at the heart of the international art scene.

A network of galleries and museums are located within walking distance of the campus, and most courses take students beyond the classroom. AAU also houses a newly renovated art studio facility on campus located in the beautiful Baroque Thurn-Taxis Palace, adjacent the Vojan Gardens, which is the oldest public garden established in Prague established in the 12th century.

Visual Art Studies is a 3-year study program. To graduate, students must accumulate 90 US credits (180 ECTS credits) by completing 30 courses. This program does not include a specific concentration, instead, students are required to take more major courses which allow for more choice of electives. 

Below, you can find the study plan for the Visual Art Studies program as well as a list of courses available to choose from. 

For the Visual Art Studies program, the following minors are available:

Having passed all the required and elective courses, students complete their studies by taking graduation examination: state exam covering the major module, state exam covering the concentration module, thesis defense.

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

In partnership with .ART Domains, AAU provides all Visual Art Studies and Journalism students with standard domains and website builders to prepare them for their journey as professional artists. As a part of the curriculum, students choose their own domain names, create online portfolios and track their progress throughout their three-year program.

View a sampling of student exhibitions here:

Graduates of the B.A. in Visual Art Studies can expect to:

AAU graduates thrive in multinational environments and can communicate professionally in English to international audiences. The VAS program is also an ideal primer for the pursuit of an MFA or an M.A. in Art History or Curatorial Studies. As a graduate of this degree program, you will be well-equipped to continue your studies or pursue a global career in areas such as:

Interesting internship opportunities for VAS:  Kunsthalle Praha, Latin Art Gallery, Jindrich Chalupecky  Society, Centre of Contemporary Arts Gallery, Meetfactory.

The Bachelor’s degree awarded is concurrently recognized as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in the United States, per AAU’s accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, and as a Bakalář (Bc.) in the Czech Republic, 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.

We provide a wide range of scholarships, tuition discounts, and financial aid options to help make quality education more accessible. To learn please visit our dedicated Financial Aid and Scholarships page.