Wits School of Arts (WSOA)

The Wits School of Arts (WSOA) is ranked as one of the top interdisciplinary school of arts in South Africa according to World Universities Ranking. Forming part of the University of Witwatersrand, it is situated on the East Campus and is at the heart of the dynamic and creative hub in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The University introduced the Art faculty in 1923 after they moved premises from Eloff Street to Milner Park, sharing the building with departments such as Geology, Zoology and Applied Mathematics. The school offers programmes in Fine Arts, Digital Arts, Film and Television, Music, Theatre and Performance, History of Art, Arts Management, Applied Theatre and Drama Therapy as well as Cultural Policy Management at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.

The school holds a reputation for intellectual and academic thoroughness and aims “to build a generation of public intellectual artists who will support interests of an interrogative and varied South African democracy”. It does this by focusing on critical creative thinking and production. 

WSOA provides a platform and showcase for some of Africa’s most prominent and upcoming academic and artistic talent. Students have access to a range of specialized teaching environments, theatres, studios, digital media laboratories and multimedia libraries. The school also provides opportunities to participate in international exchange programmes throughout the year.

WSOA strives to position itself as “advancing excellence in research, teaching and learning…in ways that engage in transformative ways within our contemporary urban, African and global contexts.” Notable graduates and alumni of the department include musician and singer, Johnny Clegg, artist William Kentridge, Screenwriter and Actor Gavin Hood and pianist, Anton Nel.