Visual Studies Degree Programs Overview
Visual Studies Degree Programs Overview
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CONTENTS:
Introduction 2
Foundation Studies 3
Architecture 4-5
Fine Art 6
Islamic Arts 7
Product Design 8
Textile Design 9
Design & Media Arts 10
Communication Design 10 - 11
Film 12
Animation 13
Assessment & Grading 14
Award of Degree & Attendance 14
Admissions – eligibility & weightage 15
Fees 15
No of Seats 15
Sample Paper 16
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Visual Studies graduates are innovative and award winning designers, architects and artists,
who are making their mark in the professional world. The Department of Visual Studies sees itself as a bridge
between tradition and innovation. Courses are interdisciplinary and contextualized. A strong theory component
alongside practical and professional courses distinguishes the curricula of the Department. History of ideas,
sociology and researched dissertations are some of the ways in which students develop analytical skills, and
measure their designs against their social, cultural, economic and environmental impact.
A dedicated faculty supported by visiting faculty from professional fields and the university’s own pool of
excellent scholars, provides training that is current and professional. Students are encouraged to widen their
experience and engage with the larger issues within which they will practice.
Placed within Pakistan’s largest University, with 52 departments and 20 postgraduate institutes offering a wide
range of studies in the sciences and humanities, the students of the Department of Visual Studies are exposed to
students and faculty across all academic disciplines.
COURSESTRUCTURE: Two semesters of Foundation studies followed by six semesters of specialized studies
leading to a BFA, B. Design & Eight semesters B. Arch. Some courses are compulsory and common to all
disciplines: English, History of Ideas, Islamic Studies.
SEMESTER – I SEMESTER – II
1. VS-300.1 Language & Communication Skills -English 2+0 VS-300.2 Islamic Studies 2+0
2. VS-311 Drawing I 1+2 VS-312 Drawing II 1+2
VS-322 Basic Design II 1+2
3. VS-321 Basic Design I 1+2
VS-322 Arch Architectonics (Only for Arch Stud) 0+3
4. VS-331 Drafting I 1+2 VS-332 Drafting II 1+2
5. VS-341 Materials& Processes I 1+2 VS-342 Materials & Processes II 1+2
6. VS-351 History of Arts I 2+0 VS-352 History of Arts II 2+0
7. VS-371 History of Ideas I 2+0 VS-372 History of Ideas II 2+0
Total Credit Hours 18 Total Credit Hours 18
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ARCHITECTURE – [Link]
The Architecture programme seeks to produce Architects capable of design solutions in the context of social and
technical research and innovation. The course consists of Architectural Theory and History, building related
Technologies, Service and Materials, Communication Skills and the application of these in Studio Practice. The
Program acknowledges the digital revolution, introducing computer-aided design in the second year of the
course.
Practical on-site experience and visits to relevant locations, along with their documentation and analysis, are
undertaken to help the student understand the issues of the built environment.
An internship program allows the students to gain valuable practical experience leading to a graduating degree
project.
Architectural Design, Architectural Research, Urban/Rural Planning, Interior Design, Historical Site Management,
Landscape Architecture
SEMESTER – V SEMESTER – VI
1. VS 561 Islamic Art and Civilization 2+0 VS -562 Sociology 2+0
2. VS-571 History of Ideas V 2+0 VS-572 History of Ideas VI 2+0
Theory of Architecture III – (Energy Theory of Architecture IV-Sustainable
3. VS-511 ARCH 2+0 VS-512 ARCH 2+0
and Environment) Development
4. VS-521 ARCH Design Studio III 0+8 VS-522 ARCH Design Studio IV 0+8
5. VS-531 ARCH Digital Tools for Architects II 0+2 VS-532 ARCH Digital Tools for Architects III 0+2
Architecture Technology IV Architecture Technology VI
6. VS-541 ARCH 1+1 VS-542 ARCH 1+1
Building Integration Construction Details & Material
Elective III-Environmental
7. VS-551 ARCH Architecture Technology V Structure 1+1 VS-582 ARCH 2+0
Psychology
Total Credit Hours 20 Total Credit Hours 20
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SEMESTER – VII SEMESTER – VIII
Theory of Architecture IV
1. VS-611 ARCH 2+0 VS-612 ARCH Professional Practice & Management 2+0
(Urban/Rural & Urban Design)
2. VS-621 ARCH Design Studio V 0+8 VS-622 ARCH Design Studio VI 0+8
3. VS-631 ARCH Creative Writing 2+0 VS-632 ARCH Architectural Research Methods 2+0
Architecture Technology VII
4. VS-641 ARCH 2+1 VS-642 ARCH Internship (6 Weeks summer break) 0+2
Construction Details & Material
5. VS-651 ARCH Landscape Architecture 2+1 VS-652 ARCH Elective IV-Cities &Housing 2+0
Total Credit Hours 18 Total Credit Hours 16
SEMESTER – IX SEMESTER – X
1. VS-731 ARCH Dissertation 3+0 VS-762 ARCH Thesis Design II (Final Project) 0 +15
2. VS-761 ARCH Thesis Design I 0 +12
Total Credit Hours 15 Total Credit Hours 15
IT IS MANDATORY TO CLEAR ARCHITECTONICS IN FOUNDATION YEAR AND DESIGN STUDIO IN EACH SEMESTER
IN ORDER TO BE PROMOTED TO THE NEXT SEMESTER. FAILING TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN A YEAR BACK.
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FINE ART– (B. F.A)
The Fine Art is an integrated programme that emphasizes concept development and encourages the student to
explore creative expression within the contemporary cultural and intellectual discourse.
Students are encouraged to use a wide range of media, materials and processes. Drawing is a key discipline. Art
history and art theory will supplement concept development. Traditional disciplines of painting, miniature,
sculpture and printmaking are offered along with photography and AV media studies. Critical analysis and
awareness of one’s place within regional and international developments prepares students to engage with
current art concerns.
Students are expected to present a self-directed body of work that can be interdisciplinary or in one medium of
their choice.
Art Practice, Art Criticism, Animation, Illustration, Set Design, Video, Art Administration, Art Restoration, Gallery
Management, Miniature Painting, Museum Consultancy
SEMESTER – V SEMESTER – VI
1. VS 561 Islamic Art and Civilization 2+0 VS -562 Sociology 2+0
2. VS-571 History of Ideas V 2+0 VS-572 History of Ideas VI 2+0
3. VS-511 FA Drawing V-Interpreting Form 0+3 VS-512 FA Drawing VI-Individual Projects 0+2
4. VS 521 FA Studio I 0+9 VS -522 FA Studio II 0+8
5. VS-531 FA Elective I 0+2 VS-552 FA History of Art VI 2+0
6. VS-551 FA History of Art V 2+0 VS-582 Research Methodology 3+0
Total Credit Hours 20 Total Credit Hours 19
The work of local and world-wide masters of Muslim arts & crafts will be studied to understand the main modes
of expression such as architectural detailing, textiles, carpet weaving, ceramics, silver/goldsmithing, metal work
and jewelry, and the ‘Arts of the Book' including binding, illumination, gilding and miniature painting.
Museum Consultancy, Architectural Detailing, Islamic Pattern making, Crafts Management, Miniature Painting,
Book Binding, Art Research, Restoration, Calligraphy, Ceramics
SEMESTER – V SEMESTER – VI
1. VS 561 Islamic Art and Civilization 2+0 VS -562 Sociology 2+0
2. VS-571 History of Ideas V 2+0 VS-572 History of Ideas VI 2+0
3. VS 511 IA Calligraphy III 0+3 VS 512 IA Calligraphy IV 0+3
4. VS 521 IA Naqqashi I 0+3 VS 522 IA Naqqashi II 0+3
5. VS 531 IA Workshop IV 0+4 VS 532 IA Workshop IV 0+4
6. VS 541 IA Computer Skills 0+3 VS 552 IA Quran & Aesthetics 2+0
VS-582 Research Methodology 3+0
Total Credit Hours 17 Total Credit Hours 17
The Product Design is an inter-disciplinary profession that interfaces between art and technology to conceive
design and develop products for the home, the work place and public amenities.
The Product Design programme facilitates a wide range of learning experiences including imaginative speculation
on design solutions; hands-on practical fabrication, 3D models and computer representation of design ideas; and
the articulation of theoretical frameworks for understanding design ideas within a historical and cultural context.
Emphasis is placed on social responsibility and the environmental impact of designed products, use of materials
and waste management. Evaluating and contemporizing traditional crafted products is an important part of
improving standards of living. Individual guidance gives students the flexibility to produce designs for industry as
well as small workshop practice.
Product Design, Furniture Design, TV/Film Set Design, Transport Systems, Exhibition Design, Interior Design,
Signage System Design
SEMESTER – V SEMESTER – VI
1. VS 561 Islamic Art and Civilization 2+0 VS -562 Sociology 2+0
2. VS-571 History of Ideas V 2+0 VS-572 History of Ideas VI 2+0
3. VS-511 PD Visualization III 0+4 VS-512PD Visualization IV 0+4
4. VS-521 PD Technology I 0+2 VS-522PD Technology II 0+2
5. VS-531 PD Design Studies III 2+0 VS-532PD Design Studies IV 2+0
6. VS-541 PD Design Studio III 2+4 VS-542PD Design Studio IV 2+4
7. VS-582 Research Methodology 3+0
Total Credit Hours 18 Total Credit Hours 19
The Textile Design programme aims to prepare design students for a role in the textile industry, both for clothing
and furnishing textiles, accessories and for adding value to traditional crafts.
Professional, technical and design skills are developed for a range of printed, woven, knitted and embroidered
textile products, and their application for clothing and furnishing. Block and screen-printing, transfer processes,
dyeing, knowledge of fabric and weaving on looms are some of the skills taught.
Internships and workshops are arranged as an essential part of the curriculum. Students are required to engage in
detailed research of traditional and modern textile processes, including visits to craft communities.
Print Design, Apparel Design, Interior Design, Craft Management, Set Design, Fashion Accessories, Stationary for
Home Furnishing, Display System Design
SEMESTER – I SEMESTER – II
1. VS-300.1 Language & Communication Skills -English 2 +0 VS-300.2 Islamic Studies 2+0
2. VS-311 Drawing I 1+2 VS-312 Drawing II 1+2
3. VS-321 Basic Design I 1+2 VS-322 Basic Design II 1+2
4. VS-331 Drafting I 1+2 VS-332 Drafting II 1+2
5. VS-341 Materials & Processes I 1+2 VS-342 Materials & Processes II 1+2
6. VS-351 History of Arts I 2+0 VS-352 History of Arts II 2+0
7. VS-371 History of Ideas I 2+0 VS-372 History of Ideas II 2+0
Total Credit Hours 18 Total Credit Hours 18
SEMESTER – V SEMESTER – VI
1. VS 561 Islamic Art and Civilization 2+0 VS -562 Sociology 2+0
2. VS-571 History of Ideas V 2+0 VS-572 History of Ideas VI 2+0
VS-511TD Design Studio III 0+6 VS-512TD Design Studio IV 0+6
3. (Print Design, weaving) (Print Design, weaving)
4. VS-521TD Textile Technology I 2+0 VS-532TD Digital Textiles I 0+3
5. VS-551TD Creative Digital Design 0+3 VS-582 Research Methodology 3 +0
6.
Total Credit Hours 15 Total Credit Hours 16
Design Media Arts & Animation acknowledges the growing importance of visual communication in business,
industry, leisure, broadcasting and cultural exchange. Students select one of the three pathways: Communication
Design, Film or Animation. Communication Design includes advertising, information graphics, typography,
packaging, printmaking, printing-press technology, photography, illustration, computer graphics and editorial
design. Film focuses on Film and Television production including camera, pre/post production, animation,
photography, illustration and marketing. Animation includes digital animation and cel animation, modeling,
character rigging and concept development. Seminars and a strong theory component ensures awareness of
cultural issues and responsible practice within existing socio-economic contexts.
Advertising, Exhibition Design, Information Graphics, Publishing, Editorial Design, Signage, Illustration,
Photography, Creative Management, Animation, Motion Graphics, Film & Television Production. Creativity, which
involves the ability to develop original, innovative ideas, is encouraged throughout the curriculum with an
emphasis on concept oriented design solutions.
OPTIONS:
COMMUNICATION DESIGN
The vast scope of the Design & Media Arts program when applied to the professional market utilizes creativity
and technology to communicate ideas or messages. The outcomes of this communication can be in the form of
printed materials, architectural signage design and graphics, exhibition environments, packaging and advertising,
film and electronic media. While primarily concerned with the visual communication of information, it also entails
the persuasive nature of the message and problem solving. Acknowledging the interdisciplinary nature of the
profession and the cultural relevance of communication, a relevant Design & Media Arts curriculum must
encourage the value of a broad-based university education.
ASSESSMENT
Student assessment is based on practical assignments given throughout the term and examinations held at the
end of each semester. At the end of each semester there is a portfolio assessment. Students are counseled on
their overall progress. Home assignments supplement classrooms projects.
GRADING& PROMOTION
Passing percentage is 50% in each course. The grades given to the students are expressed as a Numerical Grade
(NG), an equivalent Alphabetical Grade (AG) and a Grade Point (GP). Grade Point Ratio (GPR) and a Cumulative
Grade Point Ratio (CGPR) will be calculated.
NG 90 – 100 85 – 89 80 – 84 75 – 79 71 – 74 68 – 70 64 – 67 61 – 63 57 – 60 53 – 56 50 – 52
AG A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D
GPA 4.0 4.0 3.8 3.4 3.0 2.8 2.4 2.0 1.8 1.4 1.0
Students must pass in 80% of their courses in an academic year, failing which they will have to repeat the year. If
a student fails in one course, he or she will be allowed to repeat the course in the following relevant academic
session. In each semester students can improve any two previous courses with grade less than 'C' when that
course is next offered during their course of studies. Students making a fourth attempt are required to re-attend
the relevant class. Architecture student must clear design studio in in all years including foundation year in order
to be promoted to the next level.
AWARD OF DEGREE
A student must obtain a CGPR of 2.45 in order to be awarded a degree.
ATTENDANCE
A student’s attendance must amount to 75%. A student with low attendance will not be allowed to appear for
his / her exams.
Students with 60% attendance may pay a fine and appear for the final examination.
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ADMISSIONS
APTITUDE TEST
Students fulfilling the above mentioned requirements will be allowed to appear in the aptitude test. A sample
test paper is included in the prospectus.
WEIGHTAGE
HSC: 20%. ; Aptitude Test: 60%, ; Interview: 20%
Applicants must pass in to be considered for admissions, including quotas/reserved seats/ self-finance etc.
FEES
Admission Form Processing fee Rs.5000/-
Semester Fee: Rs.94500/- (The fee will increase by 10% each year)
SEATS AVAILABLE
S. No. Specialization No. of seats
1. Architecture 20
2. Textile Design 20
3. Communication Design 20
4. Film 20
5. Animation 20
6. Fine Art 15
7. Product Design 15
8. Islamic Art 10
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Total Seats 140
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SAMPLETESTPAPER
Duration TWO HOURS 100 Marks [passing marks 50%]
INSTRUCTIONS
1. The test consists of THREE sections.
2. You may answer in ENGLISH or URDU.
SECTION A. [30marks]
1. Draw the object given to you in as much detail as possible in the space provided below.
Use graphite pencil only. DO NOT use colour pencils, rulers or any other drawing instruments.