Ruth Prowse School of Art
Ruth Prowse School of Art offers an exciting range of part-time and full-time classes. The school has a vision to be a unique art school with a balance between tradition and innovation and strives for excellence in the field of visual communication with an inter-relationship between theory and practice. The School is a world class environment that motivates original thought, creativity, aesthetics, cross-cultural artistic and educational exchange together with vocational and entrepreneurial skills. Ruth Prowse School of Art NPC was founded in 1970 by the late renowned artist, Erik Laubscher and is committed to an enriching open tuition and policy of non-discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, gender or religion that has been in place since the inception of the school. The Staff are united in the goal of developing visual literacy, exceptional practical portfolios and research skills. The full potential of each student is developed and practical skills in conjunction with theory are nurtured in a creative environment. Classes are kept small for individualised attention by a team of lecturers who are all still practising artists in their respective fields. Thus whether you are exploring your creativity in the part-time program or laying the groundwork for a future career, the School is the place to be.
The School supports academic exchange and has a Recognition Agreement with the School of Creative Arts at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, England. Students can upon completing the three year Diploma from Ruth Prowse School of Art NPC be considered for advanced entry onto a number of BA Honours degree programmes in the School of Creative Arts at the University of Hertfordshire. The University of Hertfordshire is the UK’s leading business-facing university and an exemplar in the sector. It is innovative and enterprising and challenges individuals and organisations to excel.
COURSES OFFERED
Fine Art
A diverse practical and theoretical course to provide students with the skills to enter the visual arts industry.DIPLOMA IN FINE ART- THREE-YEAR DIPLOMA at NQF6 with 360 CREDITS
SAQA Qualification ID No. 49864
The Fine Art Course at the Ruth Prowse School of Art NPC offers hands-on tuition that facilitates the development of practical skills and visual literacy, accompanied by theoretical and self inquiry. The Fine artist plays an important role in society by expressing observations of social norms, value systems and cultural practices. We celebrate creative authenticity and encourage the development of the student’s art world identity through projects that develop practical skills, while simultaneously developing the student’s ability to express their observations and perspectives through visual language and a range of media. Students are exposed to traditional methodologies which are then challenged through experimentation that push the boundaries of drawing, painting, mixed media, illustration, printmaking, photography and installation in keeping with contemporary practice.
The Fine Art course, from first year through third year offers students the opportunity to develop and hone the skills needed to pursue further specialised study in one of a range of career options such as professional studio practice, illustration, informal education, art restoration, and gallery or community art project management. Emphasis is laid on the initial acquisition practical skills that will lay the foundation for the development of a personal visual vocabulary. This visual vocabulary allows for the expression of subjective interpretation and individualized concerns. The course begins with the comprehensive foundation that is intended to provide the student with a wide and intensive exposure to a range of painting, drawing, illustration, photography and print making skills. The Fine Art course is refined and consolidated in the second year of study with more areas of specialization and provides the student with increasing opportunity to discover their own visual voice, areas of speciality that they really enjoy, and to hone intellectual and practical skills. The course culminates in the individual specialization at third year with the production of a student-orientated professional body of work with a related extended essay.
The course is presented by a dynamic team of lecturers and guest lecturers who are practising artists in their respective fields. Information imparted to students is relevant and related to both classical and contemporary art practice to ensure that students benefit from a comprehensive body of knowledge. The staff are united in the common goal of educational excellence within the framework of a nurturing atmosphere and are committed to helping students realise their full potential.
Course Content
1st Year
Practical:
Painting and Mixed Media (Major)- 36 credits NQF 5
Drawing– 30 credits NQF 5
Printmaking– 12 credits NQF 5
Illustration– 12 credits NQF 5
Photography– 12 credits NQF 5
Theory:
History of Art – 18 credits NQF 6
2nd Year
Practical:
Practical major (Major)- 57 credits NQF 6
Printmaking or Photography or Illustration (Second Major)- 24 credits NQF6
Drawing– 18 credits NQF6
Theory:
History of Cultural Studies – 18 credits NQF7
Professional Practice– 3 credits NQF6
3rd Year
Practical:
Practical Major ( Elective Body of Work)- 63 credits NQF6
Drawing– 6 credits NQF6
Creative Industry Skills- 9 credits NQF6
Theory:
Extended Essay– 36 credits NQF7
Professional Practice– 6 credits NQF7
Apply now for
Graphic Design
A multi-faceted course to give designers or illustrators a wide variety of professional skills and a thorough knowledge of visual communication.
SAQA Qualification ID No. 49863
This School for Graphic Design course is aimed at the student who wishes to become a professional within the broad field of design and/or illustration. The course at Ruth Prowse School of Art NPC offers a broad subject base enables students to acquire a wide variety of professional skills and a thorough knowledge of visual communication. The Graphic Design course ensures competency in generating both hands-on and digital artwork affords greater scope for the students. Small classes forge a strong group dynamic, which prepares students to work as part of a team in a professional studio, as well as allowing for individual interaction with lecturers. Instilling a sound work ethic through professional practice and business management skills, also allows students to establish themselves as successful, independent designers and entrepreneurs. Time management, meeting of deadlines and the ability to work under pressure are emphasized as being crucial to adaptation and survival within the industry. Simulation of industry practice includes student presentation of their work as though to a real client or superior in an agency. Critique sessions that facilitate group discussions, are an integral part of the feedback and assessment procedure of this course. Many projects are based on interaction with real clients and freelance assignments are encouraged. As part of professional practice, students of the Graphic Design department are motivated to participate in internships at businesses within industry. This experience in job-shadowing is a vital exercise in familiarization with the working environment. In order to stay abreast with latest trends and technological developments, the curriculum is continuously updated. Tuition involves the integration of theory and practice and final year students produce a professional portfolio with a related Extended Essay.
Students also acquire all knowledge required to utilise the appropriate computer technology. The course is run by a dynamic team of lecturers who are specialists in their fields. All the lecturers are encouraged to be practising designers and illustrators so that they are aware of all the latest cutting edge trends. The Staff at the School are committed to assisting students to realise their full individual potential. The School has a high quality educational structure within a friendly creative atmosphere. Classes are purposely kept small to facilitate individualised attention. Students are exposed to the industry with many projects that are based on interaction with real clients, the opportunity to work shadow and freelance opportunities. An enriching, open tuition is encouraged by cross-pollination of ideas and methodologies.
All courses are offered subject to sufficient demand.
Course Content
1st Year
Practical:
Design and Advertising (Major)- 36 credits NQF5
Illustration– 12 credits NQF5
DTP – Photoshop- 12 credits NQF5
Drawing– 18 credits NQF5
Printmaking– 12 credits NQF5
Photography– 12 credits NQF5
Theory:
History of Art – 18 credits NQF6
2nd Year
Practical:
Design and Advertising (Major)- 36 credits NQF6
Illustration (Second Major)- 24 credits NQF6
DTP – Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Flash and Dreamweaver- 18 credits NQF6
Techniques and Reproduction– 18 credits NQF6
Theory:
History of Design – 18 credits NQF7
Professional Practice– 3 credits NQF6
3rd Year
Practical:
Design and Advertising (Major)- 39 credits NQF6
Illustration (Second Major)- 24 credits NQF6
DTP – Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Flash and Dreamweaver- 15 credits NQF6
Theory:
Extended Essay– 36 credits NQF7
Professional Practice– 6 credits NQF7
Apply now for
Photography
A comprehensive photography course to provide students with the critical skills to enter the industry as a fine art or commercial photographer.
Critique sessions and assessment are an integral part of the feedback of this course and individual interaction with lecturers is promoted. Tutorials and formal lectures explore research from historical to contemporary photography. Regular exhibitions at external venues are encouraged to give students experience in professional presentation and independent criticism. This also gives students the opportunity to gain exposure as photographers, generate subsequent freelance work as commercial photographers and/or market their photographs to generate an income. This professional practice is encouraged to form part of a cohesive body of knowledge even though students are undergraduates.
The visual component of the course is covered in lectures, slide show lectures, photographic excursions and visits to galleries and the studios of professionals. This comprehensive approach motivates discussion and analyses of aesthetics and promotes visual literacy. In addition, time management skills and marketing are developed to prepare students for their future careers. Learners are exposed to the photography industry with opportunities to work shadow.
The course is run by a dynamic team of lecturers who are practising specialists in their respective fields. The Staff at the Art School are committed to helping students realise their full individual potential. The School has a quality educational structure within a friendly, creative atmosphere.
Course Content
1st Year
Practical:
Practical Photography (Major)- 84 credits NQF5 that comprises:
Studiowork – 18 Credits NQF5 Darkroom Practice and Commercial Practical Photography – 66 Credits NQF5 Digital Post Production– 12 credits NQF5
Theory:
History and Contemporary Photographic Discourse – 18 credits NQF6
Theory of Photography– 6 credits NQF5
2nd Year
Practical:
Practical Photography (Major)- 84 credits NQF6
Studiowork – 18 Credits NQF5 Darkroom Practice – 33 Credits Commercial Practical Photography – 66 Credits Digital Post Production– 12 credits NQF6
Theory:
History and Contemporary Photographic Discourse – 18 credits NQF7
Theory of Photography– 3 credits NQF6
Professional Practice – 3 credits NQF6
3rd Year
Practical:
Practical Photography (Major Elective Body of Work)- 63 credits NQF6
Professional Portfolio– 6 credits NQF6
Digital Post Production– 9 credits NQF6
Theory:
Extended Essay– 36 credits NQF7
Professional Practice– 6 credits NQF7
Apply now for
Jewellery
The development of practical, theoretical and design skills for the exciting applied arts industry of jewellery.
DIPLOMA IN JEWELLERY DESIGN- THREE-YEAR DIPLOMA at NQF6 with 360 CREDITS
SAQA Qualification ID No. 83426
This intensive programme in the applied arts field of Jewellery at Ruth Prowse School of Art NPC develops knowledge and techniques both in the designing and professional manufacturing of jewellery. The outcome of the programme is for students to have developed extensive knowledge which would enable them to enter the jewellery industry with portfolios that show excellent practical, theoretical and design knowledge. The curriculum integrates practice and theory in various techniques and principles which are thoroughly explored throughout the three years of study.
Students are educated regarding excellence within the jewellery workshop with an emphasis being placed on quality, accuracy and professionalism as required by the industry. Students are encouraged to produce commissioned work and interact with clients during their studies at the School. Jewellery produced remains individualised with unique pieces of hand-made jewellery being created. Students are also taught techniques of mass production by means of casting and cutting-edge digital technology. The Diploma in Jewellery Design exposes students to business management and marketing skills where graduates leave having developed their own website and business identity. Graduates enter the growing South African Jewellery Industry either to be employed within small or large jewellery businesses while other graduates start up their own jewellery companies with great success.
All courses are offered subject to sufficient demand.
The Staff at the School are united in the common goal of educational excellence within the framework of a friendly atmosphere and are committed to helping students realise their full potential.
Ruth Prowse School of Art NPC is a member of good standing with the Jewellery Council of South Africa.
Course Content
1st Year
Practical:
Design and Manufacture (Major)- 68 credits NQF5
Design (Second Major)- 12 credits NQF5
Jewellery Drawing– 12 credits NQF5 Digital Design– Rhino- 4 Credits NQF5
Theory:
History of Art – 18 credits NQF6
Jewellery Theory and Metallurgy– 6 credits NQF5
2nd Year
Practical:
Design and Manufacture (Major)- 68 credits NQF6
Design (Second Major)- 9 credits NQF6
Jewellery Drawing– 9 credits NQF6
Digital Photography– 4 credits NQF 6
Digital Design -Rhino – 6 credits NQF 6
Theory:
Jewellery and Art Methodologies– 18 credits NQF 7
Gemology– 3 credits NQF6
Professional Practice– 3 credits NQF6
3rd Year
Practical:
Design and Manufacture (Major Elective Body of Work)- 63 credits NQF 6
Professional Portfolio– 9 credits NQF6
Digital Design– Rhino and Techgems- 6 credits NQF6
Theory:
Extended Essay– 36 credits NQF7
Professional Practice– 6 credits NQF6
Apply now for
Part Time Courses
Extra curricular part-time courses enable adults to explore their creativity and enjoy acquiring skills in a range from beginner’s to advanced.
Outreach
The Outreach Community Skills Program teaches unemployed adults from previously disadvantaged communities design and craft skills and to create marketable products and generate an income.
A unique aspect of the School is the Outreach Community Skills Program, which teaches adults from previously disadvantaged communities to develop design and craft skills, which in turn enables them to create marketable products and generate an income. The Program is dependent on the kind generosity of our donors.
Tuition, materials and transport are provided pro bono to learners.
The Outreach Community Skills Program very positively integrates students from diverse communities, thus establishing commonalities and promoting understanding and interaction.
Contact of Ruth Prowse School of Art
Contact us
Top of Birkdale Avenue, 5 Elson Road
Woodstock
Cape Town
7925
P O Box 89
Woodstock
7915
Telephone: 021 447 2492
Facsimile: 086 560 2103
E-mail: admin@ruthprowse.co.za