Art and Theater in the Social, Master of Fine Arts

Who is the degree programme Art and Theatre in Social Contexts suitable for?

The Master's programme “Art and Theatre in Social Contexts” at the University of Arts in Social Contexts in Ottersberg is aimed at graduates of artistic, art-educational, or art-therapeutic degree programmes who wish to further develop their skills in a social, societal, or artistically research-oriented context. It is particularly intended for individuals who have already gained experience in the creative or performing fields and want to implement or scientifically support projects in social or public work areas. The programme is suitable for you if you want to combine creative, interdisciplinary project work with societal impact and deepen your artistic practice.

What admission requirements apply?

• Master of Arts: A completed degree in art therapy or dance-/theatre education comprising 240 credit points (CP).
• Master of Fine Arts: A completed initial artistic degree (for example in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Performance) also comprising 240 CP.
• Graduates of related degree programmes – such as Social Work or Graphic Design – can make up for missing content-related competences or missing credit points through individually tailored bridging courses. These bridging courses can be completed alongside the Master's programme or before the start of studies.

In addition, an entrance examination takes place on set dates. The application deadline is 20 June each year for the upcoming winter semester.

Personal requirements and recommended competences

• Willingness to independently develop projects and take responsibility in artistic and social processes
• Interest in interdisciplinary work between art, science, and social practice
• Experience in art, theatre, performance, art education, or similar fields
• Ability for critical reflection and interest in socially relevant issues
• Openness to collaborative and research-based working methods as well as working in small groups

Also recommended: good self-organisation skills, strong communication abilities, and the capacity to work in changing teams and contexts.

How is the master’s degree “Art and Theatre in Social Contexts” structured?

In the degree programme “Art and Theatre in Social Contexts” (Master of Fine Arts) at the University of Arts in Social Practice in Ottersberg, you specialise in the interdisciplinary field of art, theatre, and social practice. The master’s offers you two focal points: with a focus on artistically research-based interventions or on art pedagogical and theatre pedagogical work in social and clinical fields. Depending on your prior experience, you will graduate with either a Master of Fine Arts or a Master of Arts.

What content can I expect in the course?

• Artistically research-based projects: You develop and implement your own project with social and societal relevance, which is accompanied both scientifically and artistically.
• Seminars in theory of science and research methods: The theoretical classification and methodological reflection of your project are the main focus.
• Project management & supervision: Management skills, curation, and reflection are specifically trained.
• Individual support: Two lecturers personally support you throughout your studies.
• Colloquia and peer learning: Regular exchange in small groups fosters in-depth reflection.
• Studio space: You have your own studio space available throughout the entire course.

How is the course organised administratively?

The course is organised in block weeks and can be completed full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years). The focus is on your self-chosen, artistic-scientific project.

• Duration of study: 2 semesters (full-time) or 4 semesters (part-time)
• Form of teaching: On-campus study with block weeks
• Close supervision: Small classes, familiar atmosphere, personal advice by lecturers
• Project-based work: Independent planning, implementation, and evaluation of your project
• Bridging courses: If you lack subject-related prerequisites, you can take individually tailored bridging courses

Which professional perspectives does the master open up?

• Artistic interventions in public spaces: Implementation and management of own projects in galleries, museums, or in cooperation with companies
• Work in social and clinical institutions: Deployment for example in psychosomatic clinics, child and youth work, elderly and disability care, in the penal system, theatre education, schools, and socio-cultural projects (especially when choosing the M.A. degree)
• Research and teaching: With the Master of Arts there is the possibility of further doctoral studies.
• Curation and management: Skills in project management enable independent or employed work in the field of artistic-social project or programme work.

Where does the course take place?

You study at the University of Arts in Social Practice (HKS) on the campus in Ottersberg near Bremen. The HKS specialises in small group sizes and a close connection to artistic and social science practice. As a student, you benefit among other things from:

• Your own studio space for the entire duration of study
• Modernly equipped workshops
• Familiar atmosphere and intensive support by lecturers from artistic practice
• Cultural semester ticket: Free admission to museums, theatres, and stages of the independent scene in Bremen

What costs arise and how can you finance your studies?

• Tuition fees: 2,310 euros per semester (status: June 2024)
• Financing: There are financing options such as BAföG, scholarships (e.g. Deutschlandstipendium), education loans, or support through the cultural semester ticket
• Further advantages: Access to free cultural offers with the cultural semester ticket

Additional costs may arise for materials, excursions, or examination fees. Please contact the university directly for detailed financing options and current fees.