Course: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Visual Studies

School: Lingnan University

Year of study: Year Two

Duration of programme: Three years

Young Post: What courses have you studied?

Chan: The courses are divided into three categories: aesthetics, film studies and art history.

The aesthetics programme taught me to view art from a philosophical perspective.

The views of philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle and Kant, were also included.

As for film studies, I learned about different genres and cinematic styles.

Art history courses gave me an overview of the development of art from the ancient Greek period to contemporary days.

YP: Which courses interested you the most?

C: In Year One, I took a course called 'Appreciating Art'. It helped me look at art from different perspectives. For example, take Van Gogh's The Starry Night. I studied the painter's reasons for drawing the picture, the process of creating it and whether the finished work fulfilled his intention.

I found this approach thought-provoking.

In Year Two, there's a course called 'Film Theory and Criticism', which teaches us to be a film critic. The professors show different films during lessons.

The film Frida, starring Salma Hayek, left a deep impression on me. Revolving around the theme of extra-marital affairs, the film made me think about whether an unfaithful husband who is emotionally attached to his wife can still be considered a committed spouse.

YP: Of the many art forms, which one interests you the most?

C: I like films because they are rich in symbolism. You can learn many things from a film. The different filming techniques and musical scores used by directors speak volumes about their individual style.

There are also many moral undertones in a film.

By looking at violence, sex or religion, the filmmaker is conveying a moral message to the audience.

YP: How are courses conducted?

C: Apart from the usual lectures and tutorials, there are seminars and talks by famous people to help students learn more about different art forms.

James Schamus, the producer of the Oscar-winning film Brokeback Mountain, was invited to the school to give a talk last month.

Some courses also include tours of art museums and galleries are also a part of some courses. Students are introduced to the inner workings of the art circuit.

We also have a programme called 'Artists-in-Residence', where practising artists are invited to conduct workshops on a range of subjects.

Admission

Applicants must obtain a Grade E or above in two A-Level subjects or a Grade E or above in one AL subject and two AS subjects. A grade D in AS Use of English and Chinese Language and Culture is also needed. Preference will be given to applicants who have obtained a grade D or above in AS Ethics and Religious Studies, or Liberal Studies.

Career prospects

Graduates can find work in government museums, commercial galleries, art centres and auction houses. For those who want to pursue a creative career, they can produce their own work and become a professional artist. There are also many posts in charge of cultural development at government, business and media organisations available to graduates.