Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Sculpture / Installation / Digital Media
Object art, installation, performance, art in public space, building and media art: this broad spectrum is reflected in the contents of the degree programme. The programme focuses on the development of a personal artistic position through intensive analysis and examination of processes as well as in-depth experience in artistic work. It combines practical work on the material with the study of nature and reflection on the creation. Classical sculptural techniques form the basis for developing individual work processes.
At the same time, the course also emphasises self-organisation as an artist: time and project management, exhibition organisation, invitations to tender and applications, self-marketing and networking. All are integral components of life as a professional artist. The course prepares students for these aspects of their future career in a practical manner and also introduces them to further fields of work in areas such as art mediation and art management. A pleasant, constructive learning atmosphere and intensive support of our students are particularly important to us.
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
Intensive Artistic Work
Throughout the degree programme, all students have their own studio workstation. A team of professors with different artistic focuses and positions supports and accompanies the development of each individual. The programme focuses on sculptural material. Studies begin with modules on various techniques and develop into independent artistic work. Regular meetings and presentations of work with mutual critique are important components.
Strong Relation to Practice with Focus on Career
Students are responsible for setting up their own workstations in the studios. They organise and document their own exhibitions both inside and outside of the university. Internships with experienced artists as mentors guarantee the necessary insight into everyday professional life. Even during their studies, students are invited to take part in competitions and public projects.
Working as a professional artist requires not only a high level of artistic competence but also knowledge of invitations to tender and applications, marketing and price setting, taxes and insurance as well as project management. The programme thoroughly prepares students to meet these challenges.
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 Japan, Norway, Brazil, Portugal and Cuba, among other countries, provide the opportunity for international encounters and promote artistic development. 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, 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 examination
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.
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:
Service Office
Department of Fine Arts / Sculpture
Telephone +49 2222 93211146
E-Mail bildhauerei@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.)
