Department of Visual Studies

Assistant Professor

Mr. Syed Shamoon Haider – Textile Design
Ms. Tania Nasir (S.L) – Industrial Design
Dr. Umaira Hussain Khan – Fine Art

Lecturer

Ms. Raheela Abro - Fine Art
Arch. Wajiha Siddiqui - Architecture

Architecture

Nafeel Qureshi
Ammar Anwer
Sabeeh Hasan
M. Bilal Khalid
Omer Yousuf
Muhammad Mehdi
Muzzaffar Hasan
Umair Siddiqui
Shah Salman
Safi Mansoor Khalil
Hamdan Ahmed
Sara Ahmed
Asra Mohammad
Fawwaz Kamran

Animation

Umer Qazi
Asim Baig
Zeeshan Haider
Farah Ahmed
Vikash Arjun

Film-Media

Shajee Hasan
Faraz Iqbal
Shuja Haider
Hazique Zaheer
Fasial Siraj
Umair Nasir Ali
Anas Muhammad Khan
Waqar uddin
Basit Naqvi

Graphic Design

Murtuza Khaliq
Haider Agha
Sharf E Alam
Rabiya Shafay
Zulfiqar Sajid
Hassan Khan
Nida Masroor
Khalid Soomro

Fine Art

Mahreen Zuberi
Shazia Qureshi
Uzma Noor
Sara Khan
Saqib Ahmed
Sheema Khan
Shahana Munawar
Ambereen Siddiqui
S. M. Raza
Monazza Fatima
  Noman Siddiqui
Hadiqa Arshad
Ehsan Usman
Sheeza Ali
Asim Ameen
Zahabia Khozema

Foundation

Shazia Qureshi
Sheema Khan
Noshina Arif
Ehsan Usman
Waheeda Mansoor
Khalil Ahmed
Syeda Sheeza Ali
Nida Umair
Amir Asghar
Hummaira Awan
Asim M. Kazmi
Muhammad Owais
Saad Shakeel
Asim M. Amin
Aliza Naqvi

Industrial Design

Sabbir Hussain Rizvi
Javed Akhtar
S.Fizza Abbas Rizvi
Neelum Hasan
Usman Seljuq
Danish Ahmed
Sarfaraz Siddiqui
Muhammad Rizvi
Fatima Paracha

Textile Design

Jawwad Hamid
Sobia Faizan
Maria Adeel
Shahana Munwar
Uroosa Umair
Ahmed Murtaza
Kazim Askari

Islamic Arts

Muhammad Saleem
Kashan Ahmed
Muhammad Kashif Khan
Shazia Naz
Rizwanullah Khan

• B Arch (5 years)
• BFA (four years), in one of the following
  • Fine Art
  • Islamic Arts
  • Art History
• B Design (4 years), in one of the following
  • Design & Media Arts
  • Textile Design
    
  • Industrial Design
    
  • Ceramics & Glass

Download Sample Test Paper here

Students will be required to pay for materials and have their own set of tools for which a list will be provided.

Fees

Admission Fee:    Rs.   1,500/-
Semester Fee:     Rs. 15,000/-

FOUNDATION STUDIES

All specializations begin with a one year of foundation studies introducing students to a wide range of basic skills. Subjects introduced in the first year will be drawing, design, draughting, materials & processes and contextual studies. The objective of these preparatory courses, which are compulsory, is to provide the basic skills and knowledge necessary to engage productively in the subsequent years of training in the chosen specialization.

ARCHITECTURE

The Architecture programme seeks to produce Architects capable of design solution 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 secondary 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 relate the issues of the built environment issues.
A four-month internship program allows the students to gain valuable practical experience leading to a graduating degree project.

FINE ART

Fine Art course 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 their choice.

ISLAMIC ARTS

Islamic Arts has a practical curriculum with a theoretical base exploring surviving Arts and Crafts practices throughout the Islamic World.

The underlying philosophy of this programme acknowledges the Islamic Arts as a vibrant subject of great relevance to the Muslim world.These arts need to be revived at a practical level to supplement the theoretical treatises and the cataloguing and documentation by Muslim and Western scholars.

Local and world wide masters of Muslim arts & crafts will be invited to teach the main modes of expression such as Architectural detailing, Textiles, Carpet Weaving, Ceramics, Silver/Gold-smiting, Metalwork and Jewellery, and the ‘Arts of the Book‘ including binding, illumination, gilding and miniature painting.

ART HISTORY

The Art History programme encourages the students to look critically at the History of Art and Ideas. Contemporary South Asian art, global art practices, and historical accounts of the developments in art as presented in the Euro-American “Grand Narratives” of art history are studied in depth, but also re-examined through the post-colonial perspective of cultural studies.

Research is an important component of this course and students are expected to present a substantial research paper at the end of the course. History and criticism of art & design and tutorials on related areas of philosophy, literature and the performing arts are incorporated. This is a theory course; however, students supplement their studies with a studio course of their choice.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Industrial 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 Industrial Design programme facilitates a wide range of learning experiences including imaginative speculation on design solutions; hands-on practical fabrication of drawings, 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 designer for industry as well as small workshop practice.

TEXTILE DESIGN

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.

Professionals, technical and design skills are encouraged 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, experiences of fabric and weaving on looms are more of the skills taught.

Internship and workshop 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.

DESIGN & MEDIA ARTS

Design & Media Arts acknowledges the wider application of Graphic Design, Electronic Media and Advertising practice.

Areas of study are divided into two option: Print Design or  Media Arts. Design includes advertising, information graphics, typography, packaging, printmaking, printing-press technology, photography, illustration, computer graphics, editorial design. Media Arts include camera, pre/post production, animation, photography, illustration and marketing.
Both disciplines take into consideration the multi-cultural and economically polemic markets, critiquing the place of design and media practice in culturally complex societies. Seminars and a strong theory component ensures awareness of cultural needs and responsible practice within existing socio-economic contexts.

CERAMICS & GLASS

The Ceramics & Glass programme focuses on studio ceramics and creative glass making. Students are given hands-on experience of the range of skills and processes, including wheel-throwing, slab and mold building, firing techniques, glazing, glass forming etc. Emphasis is placed upon experience and training in developing individually produced ceramic and glass works for the designer in individually workshop practice. Knowledge of the workings of ceramics and glass industry is made available for those intending to establish production workshops.

Assessment

Student assessment is based on practical assignments given throughout the term and examination held at the end of each semester. At the end of each semester there is a portfolio assessment. Students are counseled on their over all progress. Home assignments supplement classrooms projects.

Grading

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.

Minimum CGPA required in 1st year to be promoted to 2nd year 2.00
Minimum CGPA required in 2nd year to be promoted to 3rd year 2.45
Minimum CGPA required in 3rd year to be promoted to 4th year 2.45
Minimum CGPA required in 4th year to be promoted to 5th year 2.45 (only for Arch)
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 'A' when that course is next offered during their course of studies. Students making a fourth attempt are required to re-attend the relevant class.

Award of Degree

A student must obtain a CGPR of 2.45 in order to be awarded a degree.

Attendance

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.

FOUNDATION STUDIES

Semester I
VS-301                        English 3 + 0 
VS-311                        Drawing 1 + 2
VS-321                       Basic Design 1 + 2
VS-331                        Drafting 1 + 2
VS-341                        Materials / Processes 1 + 2
VS-351                        Contextual studies 3 + 0
TOTAL   18

Semester II    
VS-302                        Islamic Studies 3 + 0
VS-312                        Drawing 1 + 2
VS-322                        Basic Design 1 + 2 
VS-332                        Drafting 1 + 2
VS-342                        Material / Processes 1 + 2
VS-352                        Contextual Studies    3 + 0
TOTAL   18

ARCHITECTURE

Semester III
VS-401                        Urdu              3+0
VS-451                        History of Ideas         2+0
VS-411 Arch              Theory of Architecture 3+0
VS-421 Arch              Design Studio I          0+6
VS-431 Arch              Communication         0+2
VS-441 Arch              Building Technology 3+1
TOTAL   20

Semester IV
VS-402                        Pakistan Studies 3+0
VS-452                        History of Ideas  2+0
VS-412 Arch              Theory of Architecture II 3+0
VS-422 Arch              Design Studio II  0+6
VS-432 Arch              Communication Skills II    0+2
VS-442 Arch              Building Technology II     3+1
TOTAL   20

Semester V
VS-561 Arch              Elective 0+1
VS-551                        History of Ideas  2+0
VS-511 Arch              Theory of Architecture III 3+0
VS-521 Arch              Design Studio III            0+6
VS-531 Arch              Communication Skills III 0+2
VS-541 Arch              Building Technology III  3+1
TOTAL    18

Semester VI
VS-552                        History of Ideas 2+0
VS-512 Arch              Theory of Architecture IV 3+0
VS-522 Arch              Design Studio IV            0+6
VS-532 Arch              Communication Skills IV 0+2
VS-542 Arch              Building Technology IV  4+1
TOTAL    18

Semester VII
VS-611Arch               Theory of Architecture V  3+0
VS-621 Arch              Design Studio V 0+9
VS-631 Arch              Communication Skills V     0+2
VS-641 Arch              Building Technology V      3+1
TOTAL    18

Semester VII
VS-612 Arch              Professional Practice & Management 3+0
VS-622 Arch              Design Studio VI (Internship)       0+12
TOTAL    15

Semester IX
VS-711Arch               Dissertation        3+0
VS-721Arch               Design Studio VII   0+12   
TOTAL    15

Semester X
VS-712Arch               Final Project  0+15
TOTAL   15

DESIGN & MEDIA ARTS - Major: Graphic Design

Semester III
VS-401                        Urdu      3+0
VS-451                        History of Ideas I          2+0
VS-411DM                  Graphic Design I     0+3
VS-421 DM                 Computer Graphics I     0+3
VS-431 DM                 Introduction to Illustration 0+3
VS-441 DM                 Typography I      0+2
VS-451 DM                 History of Graphic Design 2+0
TOTAL    18

Semester IV
VS-402                        Pakistan Studies  3+0
VS-452                        History of Ideas II   2+0
VS-412DM                  Graphic Design II  0+3
VS-422 DM                 Computer Graphic II   0+3
VS-432 DM                 Introduction to Photography  0+2
VS-442 DM                 Typography II    0+2
VS-452 DM                 Printmaking   0+3
TOTAL   18

Semester V
VS-551                        History of Ideas III   2+0
VS-511 DM                 Graphic Design III 0+2
VS-521 DM                 Computer Graphic III  0+2
VS-531 DM                 Advertising Art & Copy 2+0
VS-541 DM                 Pre-Press Production   2+0
VS-56IA                      Islamic Art & Civilization  2+0
TOTAL+ 6 from Minor  18

Semester VI
VS-552                        History of Ideas   2+0
VS-512 DM                 3Y Design Studio  0+5
VS-522 DM                 Multimedia Design I  0+2
VS-532 DM                 Package Design    0+2
VS-562                        Sociology        2+0
TOTAL+5 from Minor                                   18

DESIGN & MEDIA ARTS - Major: Graphic Design

Semester VI               
VS-611 D                    Design in Focus 0+6     
VS-621 D                    Professional Practice 2+0
VS-631 D                    Dissertation   3+0
TOTAL + 4 from Minor     15                                                       

Semester VII
VS-612 D                    Final Project   0+12
VS-622 D                    Marketing 3+0
TOTAL   15

DESIGN & MEDIA studies - Major: Media Arts

Semester III
VS-401                        Urdu   3+0
VS-451                        History of Ideas I  2+0
VS-411DM                  Camera I   0+3
VS-421 DM                 Pre-Production Skills  0+3
VS-431 DM                 Introduction to Illustration 0+3
VS-441 DM                 Set Design & Construction 0+2
VS-451 DM                 History of Film & Television  2+0
TOTAL    18

Semester IV
VS-402                        Pakistan Studies 3+0
VS-452                        History of Ideas II 2+0
VS-412DM                  Camera II   0+3
VS-422 DM                 Writing for Film & Television I   0+3
VS-432 DM                 Introduction to Photography  0+3
VS-442 DM                 Art Direction  0+2
VS-452 DM                 Sound Recording        0+2
TOTAL  18

Semester V
VS-551                        History of Ideas III 2+0
VS-511 DM                 Graphic Design III  0+2
VS-521 DM                 Lighting  0+2
VS-531 DM                 Writing for Film & Television II    2+1
VS-541 DM                 Reading Media I 2+0
VS-56IA                      Islamic Art & Civilization 2+0
TOTAL + 6 from Minor 18

Semester VI
VS-552                        History of Ideas 2+0
VS-512 DM                 3Y Design Studio   0+5
VS-522 DM                 Animation I  0+2
VS-532 DM                 Directing I   0+2
VS-562                        Sociology            2+0
TOTAL + 5 from Minor 18

Semester VI               
VS-611 D                    Directing II  0+3     
VS-621 D                    Animation II    3+0
VS-631 D                    Reading Media II   2+0
VS-641 D                    Dissertation 3+0     
TOTAL + 4 from Minor     15                                                       

Semester VII
VS-612 D                    Final Project     0+12
VS-622 D                    Internship (summer)    0+2
TOTAL    14

Design & Media Studies - Minors

Semester V 
VS-551 DM P                         Photography Studio I   0+2
VS-561 DM P                         Darkroom Techniques     0+2
VS-571 DM P                         History of Photography 2+0
TOTAL    6
OR
VS-551 DM I                          Illustration I           0+2
VS-561 DM I                          Drawing Workshop  0+2
VS-571 DM I                          History of Photography  2+0
TOTAL    6

Semester VI
VS-552 DM P                         Photography Studio II 0+2     
VS-562 DM P                         Digital Techniques I  0+2
TOTAL     4
OR
VS-552 DM I                          Illustration Studio II  0+2     
VS-562 DM I                          Digital Techniques I  0+2
TOTAL     4                     

Semester VII
VS-661 DM P                         Photography Studio III   0+3
VS-671 DM P                         Digital Techniques II   0+2
TOTAL    5
OR
VS-661 DM P                         Illustration Studio III 0+3
VS-561 DM P                         Drawing Workshop  0+2
TOTAL    5

TEXTILE DESIGN

Semester III
VS-401                        Urdu      3+0
VS-451                        History of Ideas I    2+0
VS-411 TD                  Design Studio I  0+6
VS-421 TD                  Weaving I      0+3
VS-431 TD                  Drawing I      0+2
VS-441 TD                  Textile Theory I   2+0
TOTAL   18

Semester IV
VS-402                        Pakistan Studies 3+0
VS-452                        History of Ideas II  2+0
VS-412 TD                  Design Studio II   0+6
VS-422 TD                  Weaving II              0+3
VS-432 TD                  Drawing II              0+2
VS-442 TD                  Textile Theory II 2+0
TOTAL  18

Semester V
VS-551                        History of Ideas 2+0     
VS-561 IA                   Islamic Art & Civilization   2+0
VS-511 TD                  Design Studio III 0+6
VS-521 TD                  Textile Technology I   2+2
VS-531 TD                  Drawing III             0+2
VS-541 TD                  Textile Theory II   2+0
TOTAL   18

Semester VI
VS-552                        History of Ideas 2+0
VS-562                        Sociology            2+0
VS-512 TD                  Design Studio IV 0+9     
VS-522 TD                  Seminar              2+0
VS-532 TD                  Elective 0+3
TOTAL    18

Semester VII
VS-621 TD                  Final Project I (Internship studio)  0+12
VS-631 TD                  Dissertation        3+0 
TOTAL       15

Semester VIII
VS-622 TD                  Final Project II    0+12
VS-632 TD                  Marketing 3+0
Total                    15

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Semester III
VS-401                        Urdu              3+0
VS-451                        History of Ideas I   2+0
VS-411 ID                   Visualization       0+3
VS-421 ID                   Materials    2+0
VS-431 ID                   Design Studies 2+0
VS-441 ID                   Design Studio   1+3
VS-451 ID                   Elective I    0+1
TOTAL    17

Semester IV
VS-402                        Pakistan Studies     3+0
VS-452                        History of Ideas II  2+0
VS-412 ID                   Visualization       0+3
VS-422 ID                   Materials        2+0
VS-432ID                    Design Studies    2+0
VS-442 ID                   Design Studio    0+3
VS-452 ID                   Elective I  0+1
TOTAL    17

Semester V
VS-551                        History of Ideas 2+0     
VS-561 IA                   Islamic Art & Civilization   2+0
VS-511ID                    Visualization       0+4
VS-521ID                    Technology         0+2
VS-531ID                    Design Studies   2+0
VS-541ID                    Design Studio  2+4
TOTAL    19                               

Semester VI
VS-552                        History of Ideas 2+0
VS-562                        Sociology            2+0
VS-512 ID                   Visualization       0+4
VS-522 ID                   Technology         0+4
VS-532 ID                   Design Studies   2+0
VS-542 ID                   Design Studio 2+4
TOTAL    19

Semester VII
VS-611 ID                   Final Project I    3+9
VS-612 ID                   Dissertation        3+0
TOTAL    15

Semester VIII
VS-612 ID                   Final Project II   3+9
VS-642 ID                   Marketing           3+0
TOTAL    15

FINE ARTS

Semester III
VS-401                        Urdu      3+0
VS-451                        History of Ideas I          2+0
VS-411 FA                  Printmaking        0+3
VS-421 FA                  Painting              0+3
VS-431 FA                  Drawing I           0+2
VS-441 FA                  Miniature Painting I      0+2
VS-451 FA                  History of Art I   2+0
TOTAL  17

Semester IV
VS-402                        Pakistan Studies 3+0
VS-452                        History of Ideas II  2+0
VS-412 FA                  AV Media  0+3     
VS-422 FA                  Sculpture 0+3
VS-432 FA                  Drawing II              0+2
VS-442 FA                  Miniature Painting II     0+2
VS-452 FA                  History of Art II 2+0
TOTAL  17

Semester V
VS-551                        History of Ideas                 2+0     
VS-561 IA                   Islamic Art & Civilization   2+0
VS-511 FA                  Studio I 0+9
VS-531 FA                  Drawing III             0+2
VS-551 FA                  History of Art III            2+0
TOTAL    17

Semester VI
VS-552                        History of Ideas 2+0
VS-562                        Sociology            2+0
VS-512 FA                  Studio II              0+9
VS-532 FA                  Drawing IV  0+2
VS-552 FA                  History of Art 2+0
TOTAL    17

Semester VII
VS-611 FA                  Final Project I    0+12
VS-621 FA                  Dissertation   3+0
TOTAL  15

Semester VIII
VS-612 ID                   Final Project II   0+12
VS-622 ID                   Marketing  3+0
TOTAL  18

ISLAMIC ARTS

Semester III
VS-401                        Urdu 3+0
VS-411 IA                   Islamic Calligraphy I 3+0
VS-421 1A                  Geometric Design  3+0
VS-431 1A                  Material & Processes I  6+0
VS-451                        History of Ideas I   2+0
VS-451 IA                   Islamic Art & Civilization   2+0
TOTAL    19

Semester IV
VS-402                        Pakistan Studies     3+0
VS-412 IA                   Islamic Calligraphy II    0+3
VS-432 1A                  Geometric Design II      0+3
VS-442 1A                  Material & Processes II  0+6
VS-452                        History of Art Post Modernism 2+0
VS-452 IA                   Islamic Art & Civilization II   2+0
TOTAL    19

Semester V
VS-561                        History of Ideas 2+0     
VS-511 IA                   Islamic Calligraphy II 0+3
VS-521 IA                   Quranic Studies 3+0
VS-531 1A                  Geometric Design III     0+3
VS-5411A                   Material & Processes II  0+6
VS-551                        History of Ideas 2+0
TOTAL   19

Semester VI
VS-562 IA                   Conversational Arabic  3+0
VS-512 IA                   Islamic Calligraphy VI   0+3
VS-522 IA                   Computer Skills    0+2
VS-532 1A                  Geometric Design ( Naqqashi adv.) 0+3
VS-542 1A                  Materials & Processes (Metal & Glass) 0+6
VS-552                        History of Ideas (Muslim Philosophy) 2+0
TOTAL   19

Semester VII
VS-611 IA                   Traditional Crafts Internship 0+12
VS-621 IA                   Architectural Detailing 0+3
TOTAL    15

Semester VIII
VS-612 IA                   Final Project 0+12
VS-622 IA                   Dissertation 3+0
TOTAL  15

The departments offers its students the facilities of Library, Computer lab, Photography darkroom, Weaving looms, Silkscreen darkroom, Wood workshop, Metal workshop, Kiln and pottery wheels and Clay and plaster workshop.

This year, a dedicated building has been assigned to the Architecture program by the department..

For further information please contact:

DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL STUDIES

S.T.C. BUILDING, UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI, KARACHI-75270

Telephone: 99261300-06 Ext: 2239 / 3239