Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Painting / Photography / Digital Media
Experiment with Art
The aim of the degree programme is the formation and development of an original and authentic visual language in the field of contemporary fine arts. Independent work, willingness to experiment, and personal responsibility of the students are just as much hallmarks of the programme as the training of technical, manual and theoretical skills. The students’ own artistic plans and projects structure learning and working from the very start. We attach great importance to a pleasant learning atmosphere and close and intensive support of our students.
Reflecting on Art
This personal artistic approach is developed through combining hands-on work with joint talks, discussions and colloquia, and supplemented by theoretical courses and colloquia. Emphasis is also placed on developing the ability to reflect on a personal artistic position and embed it in a broader social and cultural context.
The course can be completed full-time (6 semesters) or part-time (10 semesters).
Course Contents and Curriculum
The programme is delivered in a series of modules. An examination concludes each module. For a detailed outline of each module, please refer to the module handbook for the Bachelor in Fine Arts programme, which contains a more in-depth description of the two specialisations "Painting / Photography / Digital Media" and "Sculpture / Installation / Digital Media". The following information applies to both.
Basic artistic modules (Basic modules I and II, compulsory
complementary module)
• Depending on specialisation: fundamental skills in the applicable artistic disciplines
• Foundation course in the theory of contemporary fine art
• Introduction to independent artistic work
• Introduction to independent studio work
• Depending on specialisation: foundation course in drawing, photography/digital post-editing and layout, printmaking
Advanced artistic modules (Advanced modules I and II,
specialisation)
• Advancement and personal interpretation of aesthetic aspects involved in the artistic process
• Reflection on aesthetic issues generally and in the context of students' own work
• Step-by-step development of students' own artistic work and personal artistic position
• Reflection of students' own artistic position in the context of the
contemporary art scene
• Exhibition organisation and presentation techniques
Aesthetics
• Complementary seminars, presentations and excursions
• Reflection of aesthetic and art-history aspects in the context of concrete issues
• Written reflection on the subject matter discussed
Compulsory elective modules (Art in Practice and Open Space)
• Complementary courses taught in the Fine Arts department that may be chosen regardless of specialisation
• By pursuing courses taught in departments other than Fine Arts, students are encouraged to switch perspectives and in turn reflect more profoundly on their own work
Studium Generale
• Research and writing skills
• Selection of courses in the Studium Generale fields listed in the module handbook, e.g., epistemology, metaphysics, philosophical anthropology, ethics, art and cultural history (personal choice)
Work placement
• Practical experience gained in an artistic or art-related setting
Bachelor project
• Demonstration of artistic skills acquired during the programme by means of a convincing personal project
• Planning and implementation of the exhibition of project in a group show
• Reflection and contextualisation of students' own work and its development in the form of a written artistic documentation and an oral examination
Special Features of the Degree Programme
Broad Artistic Spectrum
The programme covers all major areas of contemporary art: from painting, graphics, sculpture, installation, artistic photography and digital media to participatory projects and interventions in public space.
Intensive and Individual Support
We attach great importance to a constructive and personal working atmosphere. Almost 200 students from around 20 different nations are currently studying in the Department of Fine Arts. They are guided and supported by a team of professors, lecturers and artistic staff members.
Spacious Working Environment
More than 2000 m2 of studio space, a printing workshop, a media workshop equipped with the latest technology, and a photography studio are available. All students are provided with their own studio workstation, which is accessible around the clock.
Internationality
Trips abroad and international projects take place regularly.
Interdisciplinary Exchange
Students from all disciplines learn together in the Studium Generale, a supplementary cultural studies programme that is an essential part of all degree courses. Cross-disciplinary projects, with students studying drama or business administration, for instance, provide new perspectives.or instance, provide new perspectives.
Part-Time Studies
The course can be completed full-time or part-time.
In case of part-time studies the study content will be spread over the duration of 10 semesters.
Semester Abroad
Exchange programmes with partner universities in South America, Palestine, South Africa, Poland and Northern and Southern Europe make it possible to spend one or more semesters abroad. Stays abroad are highly encouraged. The recognition of academic achievements is guaranteed by cooperation agreements with the partner universities.
Admission Requirements
• General or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
• Without a general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification certificate, admission is still possible when, during the entrance exam, evidence of outstanding artistic talent is determined or when the applicant has completed vocational training, including at least 3 years of career experience
• Passing the art entrance exam
Admission Requirements for Internationals
Foreign applicants require proof of sufficient German language skills, both spoken and written. More information is available from the International Office.
Application and Selection Procedures
The degree programme always starts in the Autumn Semester. Applications can be submitted year round. Entrance exams are generally held from January to September.
To apply, you must first register in the Campus Core application portal. After successfully registering, you can log in to the portal and submit your application. Here you will find further information and assistance on the online application as well as the link to the application portal.
After receiving your online application, we invite suitable candidates to an aptitude test. Please bring your application portfolio with you to this appointment!
In exceptional cases, such as applications from abroad, it is possible to submit a digital portfolio. Please contact our service office for information.
Please note that - due to the corona crisis - it could be that the aptitude test has to be carried out digitally.
Portfolio Information
The portfolio should include:
• approx. 20 paintings
• approx. 20 drawings (sketchbooks are accepted)
Larger works and canvases can be presented as photo documentations. You are free to choose the focus of your portfolio. Artistic photography can replace paintings/drawings.
Works submitted for the entrance exam must have been created independently and should be no more than 2 years old.
The portfolio should reflect the student’s motivation to study and experiment.
Guidance Counselling and Portfolio Coaching
We offer free guidance counselling and portfolio coaching.
Due to the corona crisis this service is currently being carried out digitally.
You can find the current dates here.
Please feel free to contact us for further information:
Simon Halfmeyer
Department of Fine Arts / Painting
Telephone +49 2222 93211146
E-Mail simon.halfmeyer@alanus.edu
Subsequent Master's Programmes
After completing your bachelor's degree, you can apply for various master's programmes:
- Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
- Art Therapy (M.A.)
- Teaching Degree for Secondary and Comprehensive Schools with Double Subject Art (M.Ed.)
