Visual Art Studies (Major)

The Visual Art Studies Program offers a unique and intriguing synthesis of art history, curatorial studies, and studio art, laying a broad and solid foundation in the theory and practice of the visual arts. Graduates earn a globally recognized degree, accredited in the US and EU, 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 B.A. in Visual Art Studies (VAS) program is a compelling fusion of art history, curatorial studies, and studio practice, 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 prepares students for work in an array of art careers, while also laying the groundwork for graduate studies.

Highlights

A well-rounded and integrated education that blends art history and theory, studio practice, and art management with curatorial studies, taught by practicing professionals active in both the local and international art scenes.
Instruction in both classical and contemporary techniques, along with the new media and an exploration of the the digital age, considering the role of AI in art production and ownership.
Hands-on experience through collaborations with top art institutions in Prague, including the Academy of Arts, Architecture & Design (UMPRUM) and the Academy of Fine Arts (AVU).
Work with leading curators and art historians at galleries and museums such as the National Gallery Prague, Kunsthalle, Museum Kampa, MeetFactory, and the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art.
Showcasing of original work, organizing exhibitions, and collaborating with peers and faculty on art shows in the university’s newly renovated art studio and gallery space.
Prague’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary art scene, with an extensive network of galleries and museums and a wide range of historical artistic styles on display throughout the city.

Learn more about the VAS program here.

“As an alum of Anglo American University’s Visual Arts, I greatly benefited from its emphasis on real-world engagement and small class sizes, which fostered close connections with art professionals and a robust theoretical foundation. This unique environment inspired my career and enabled me to establish a startup that leverages AI to help private collectors inventory their art and streamline processes like art loans, promoting greater cultural exchange.”

Maximilian Colloredo-Mansfeld, B.A. in Visual Art Studies

Career Prospects

Graduates are well-placed for further studies in art history, curatorial studies, and studio art, as well as fellowships in research and curatorship. Additionally, they may pursue global artistic careers in museum and gallery work, curation and management, art criticism, academia, conservation, advertising, marketing, public administration, cultural NGOs, and research.

Example jobs for artists with a Visual Art Studies degree include:

Graphic designer
Illustrator
New media producer
Art director
Professional artist
Illustrator and fashion designer
Art dealer
Tattoo artist
Scenic artist
Photographer and videographer
Advertising professional
Art exhibitor
Curator & museum/gallery director
Heritage protection and conservator
And more!

Internship opportunities are likewise available to VAS graduates within organizations such as Kunsthalle, the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art , Meetfactory, and others.

Program Structure

Students may choose from the following minors:

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

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

Examples of Student Work

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
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
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)

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.