COMMENCING September 2004, the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) will begin offering courses for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and the Bachelor of Art Education (BAE) degrees, through the School of Visual Arts which has been awarded degree granting status by the University Council of Jamaica.
This is an historic development in the study of fine and applied arts in Jamaica and indeed the Caribbean, as the college will for the first time, independently offer degree programmes.
Prospective students now have the opportunity to study right here in Jamaica towards visual arts degrees in sculpture, graphic design jewellery, textiles, ceramics, painting and art education. Organisation and planning for the implementation of these programmes has been on the school's agenda since 1998.
The implementation of the degree will have broader implications for the college as student enrolment is expected to increase as both Jamaican and Caribbean students will now be able to study in Jamaica.
Additionally, degree status will make the college more attractive to international students, and allow for the further development of curricula, and expansion of exchange programmes in art and culture between the EMCVPA and universities and colleges overseas. As a direct spin off, further expansion of support facilities such as library services, audiovisual facility, plant expansion and student accommodation are some of the expected spin off.
The degree programmes will be opened to persons who possess a minimum of five CXC passes, in addition to the portfolio and drawing requirements.
Entry to the diploma programme is now a minimum of two passes at CXC or the equivalent.
Applications to the full-time programmes offered by the College opens on January 2, 2004 and closes on March 31, 2004.
