Undergraduate Program

Visual Art Studies (Major)

The Visual Art Studies Program offers a unique combination of art history, curatorial studies, and studio art. Studying at the heart of Europe in the historical center of Prague, you can earn both globally recognized American and European B.A. degrees.

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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

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.

AAU was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. It gave me start for my future career, knowledge and priceless experience of studying in international environment. I learned how to overcome difficulties, how to achieve my aspirations and goals. Even a year and half after graduation I still think of AAU as of the place which helped me to grow and understand who I want to be.

Malika Vitarigova, AAU Alumni

Study Visual Art Studies in the heart of Europe

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.

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Program Structure

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. 

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Study Modules

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

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

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.

Student Work

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:

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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)
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Learning Outcomes

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

  • Gain a solid background in art history
  • Develop skills in art studio electives according to each student’s own level of expertise and interest
  • Gain experience in curating and art management in connection with important art institutions and galleries in Prague
  • Understand the complex world of art from historical, theoretical, and economical perspectives
  • Participate in all the various aspects of the contemporary art world of today
  • Be qualified for advanced studies in art history, curatorial studies, and studio art, as well as for research and curatorial and art fellowships
  • Communicate professionally, decisively, and strategically in verbal and written English

Career Prospects

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:

  • Museum/Gallery work
  • Producing and Curating Art Exhibitions
  • New Media Production
  • Graphic Design
  • Art Criticism
  • Advertising
  • Marketing
  • Heritage Protection and Conservation
  • Public Administration
  • Art NGOs or Institutions
  • Education
  • Research
  • Academia

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

Qualification Awarded

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.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

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.

Additional information

See what our students have to say

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.

Katherine Dedukh
School of Journalism and Media, Student

Meet the people

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Do you have questions?

We are happy to help!

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Kateřina Fundová Admissions Counselor katerina.fundova@aauni.edu
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Brittany Cordy Admissions Counselor brittany.cordy@aauni.edu