Bachelor of Visual Arts
The Bachelor of Visual Arts or BVA is a generally a four-year professional and specialized undergraduate programme in art and painting that equips students with the skills necessary to begin a career in fields like advertising and painting etc. It is best suited to students who nurture a passion for the visual arts.
Admission is open to students who have completed class 12 with a minimum percentage, as determined by the institute. However, it is usually based on rigorous entrance tests that judge an applicant’s skill and aptitude for visual arts, as these are far more important for the course. Successful applicants are admitted to the course, which begins by introducing them to the fundamentals of art and design, various forms of painting, and training in languages. The course also involves modules on the necessary software used in the industry, increasingly complex forms of art and culture, composition, aesthetics, and the history of western and Indian art. Project work is an integral part of the course and helps the students build a portfolio that they can showcase while applying for jobs. The final year also involves a viva and dissertation. Many institutes hold exciting field trips and exhibitions for the students and also help with placements. Quite often the courses are conducted by industry professionals, who may make valuable contacts for the student. However, a lot of patience and hard work is necessary, as the curriculum is demanding and the project work takes up a lot of time. It is also fairly expensive because apart from the tuition fee, students also end up paying a lot for the materials that they use. Hence, it’s important to be sure of one’s ability and aptitude before applying for this course. Students can also inquire on arts scholarships.