Fine Arts

Faculty I offers an integrated diploma study programme “Fine Arts”. Sub-division into several study programmes was deliberately not undertaken. The structure corresponds to the need for a contemporary, open platform for students.

The Fine Arts course of study is divided into a first and a second study stage,  each comprising four semesters. This is followed by a diploma period of two semesters. An intermediate diploma exam is conducted after the fourth semester. The course of study ends with a diploma.

The modularised artistic/practical course of study in the studio is accompanied by a modularised range of courses from the disciplines of Art History and Philosophy/Aesthetics. Students can also take theory courses in other study programmes, such as Theatre Studies, Psychology or Sociology. In addition, the curriculum includes events relating to the fundamentals of architecture and to artistic anatomy. A certain number of courses are compulsory. Following the diploma, students can sign up for a four-semester postgraduate master class programme. 

The course of study is a forum for discussion with art and science teachers, artists and fellow students. Artistic work is understood as a cognitive process. The individuality of the student forms the core of this process.

In addition to artistic work in studios, students can acquire additional skills for their artistic development in the graphic workshops (lithography, screen printing, etching/woodcarving, typography/book design, analogue and digital photography, hand binding, colouring technique, painting technique, digital media, video technology), and in the sculpture workshops (casting, bronze foundry, wood processing, metal casting, metal processing, plastics processing, ceramics). Participation in courses in the fields of Art History and Philosophy/Aesthetics is mandatory, while participation in courses in the fields of Anatomy and Architectural Basics is optional. Additionally, a wide range of guest lectures and workshops in the various teaching areas and special classes are offered.

Courses held in the first study stage help in developing visual knowledge and dealing with the concepts of body, space, surface, colour, form and structure. The subjects of Sculpture and Painting/Graphics each have their own core curriculum. Both Painting/Graphics and Sculpture follow the classic-artistic and the interdisciplinary approach in teaching.

In the artistic curriculum of the second study stage , previously acquired knowledge is expanded and deepened in special classes. A student’s artistic self-discovery is aided by the artistic attitude of special class professors and the curricula they teach. Cross-class work between the media is not only accepted, but also desired.

In their graduation year, students are expected to develop their experience into artistic formulations which are as mature as possible, and which are then presented and evaluated in a diploma examination and displayed as part of the “graduation exhibition”.

After the diploma, students can sign up for the master class programme. The master class student status is reserved for extremely talented students with special achievements. An expert commission decides on admission to the master class programme. Graduates from other art colleges can also apply for the master class programme.

An overview of the study modules and study schedule can be found here in the current study regulations..