Admissions

The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA/EDNA) is the premier tertiary arts institution in the English-speaking Caribbean. As the first and only institution of its kind in the region, we have established an enduring tradition of excellence in arts education, offering the highest quality education, training and research in the visual and performing arts and arts management.

Our six dynamic schools—Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Drama, Arts Management & Humanities, and Continuing Education & Allied Programmes—provide an environment where creativity flourishes. Students learn from and collaborate with the region’s finest arts educators, who expertly blend theoretical knowledge with creative application across all our programmes.

An EDNA education prepares students for diverse roles in the visual and performing arts, the cultural and creative industries, and the broader orange economy. Our comprehensive range of programmes includes Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees, a Postgraduate Diploma and Certificates, offering students invaluable opportunities to showcase their talents through internships, teaching practicum, performances, exhibitions and arts/cultural enterprise management. These practical experiences, combined with rigorous academic study, ensure that our graduates are well-equipped for professional success in their chosen fields.

All our degree programmes are accredited by the University Council of Jamaica, maintaining the highest standards of tertiary education. Our commitment to lifelong learning extends beyond traditional degree programmes through the School of Continuing Education and Allied Programmes (SCEAP). This school offers part-time leisure courses, CSEC and per credit courses, a specialised junior programme for children, and professional development opportunities for practitioners at all levels.

We welcome candidates who demonstrate both creative potential and academic capability. Admission to our degree programmes requires five CSEC subjects (grades 1-3, with grade 3 accepted from 1998) or equivalent qualifications, including mandatory English Language, while international students may present a High School Diploma.

All applicants must complete a Portfolio Assessment or Audition (according to their specialisation), attend an Interview, and pass the College English Proficiency examination. Visual Arts applicants are also required to take a Drawing Proficiency examination. Our Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Education requires a first degree in any arts discipline or the equivalent from a recognized institution, plus five years of teaching experience in the specialised field. At the certificate level, we accept City & Guilds Level 3 in English Language and Mathematics only.

Mature Entry (subject to specific conditions), is available for candidates with significant professional experience in their artistic field who may have fewer academic qualifications.

Join us at EMCVPA and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to artistic excellence and creative innovation in the Caribbean.