Free Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts

Who is the Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree programme suitable for?

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Fine Arts at the University of Arts in Social Sciences in Ottersberg is aimed at everyone who aspires to a professional career in the field of Visual Arts. It specifically addresses prospective students who wish to develop independent artistic positions, are open to interdisciplinary projects, and appreciate working in their own studio. The programme is ideal for individuals who want to engage intensively with painting, sculpture, installation, printmaking, photography, time-based media, or performance and seek exchange in small classes as well as individual support from lecturers with practical artistic experience.

What are the admission requirements?

• Higher education entrance qualification: To be admitted to the Bachelor’s degree programme, you need a general or subject-bound higher education entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur or Fachabitur) or an equivalent recognised qualification (such as vocational training with an appropriate aptitude test).
• Artistic suitability: You must submit an application portfolio with your own artistic works. As part of the selection process, an additional interview, a practical test or participation in an admission day may be required.
• Application deadline: Applications for the winter semester are usually possible until 20 May. Late applications are also possible depending on capacity.
• Language skills: Since the degree programme is taught in German, sufficient German language skills are required. International applicants may have to provide proof of their language skills.

Personal requirements

• Initiative and motivation to engage intensively with artistic processes over several years.
• Willingness to work experimentally and independently.
• Interest in dialogue and constructive exchange with other students and lecturers.
• Ability to reflect on one’s own artistic development.
• Curiosity about working in various genres of Visual Arts and openness to interdisciplinary projects and public presentations.

Course Content in Detail: What Awaits You in the Bachelor of Fine Arts?

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Fine Arts at the University of Arts in Social Sciences in Ottersberg focuses on developing your own artistic position. The curriculum combines practical and theoretical content from various fields of visual arts. You will receive intensive support in finding and professionalising your own artistic expression.

• One-year interdisciplinary foundational studies for orientation and initial focus setting
• Advanced studies in a chosen specialist class from the second year onwards
• Available subjects: Painting, Sculpture, Installation, Printmaking, Photography, Time-based Media, Performance, Public Art
• Interdisciplinary and cross-class work
• Weekly individual and group discussions with professors and lecturers
• Experimental project work and the development of your own artistic initiatives
• Continuous access to your own studio space and free workshop use
• Practical career insights through exhibitions, public space projects and joint excursions

Course Structure: How Is the Degree Organised?

The Fine Arts (B.F.A.) programme is designed to last eight semesters and is modular in structure. You start with a broad foundational course that helps you explore your artistic interests and make a well-informed choice for your individual specialist class. During the three-year advanced studies, you can deepen your focus and realise your own projects.

• Duration of study: 8 semesters (4 years)
• Degree awarded: Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
• Your own studio space throughout the entire course
• Intensive exchange in small classes (10–20 students)
• Regular exhibition projects, excursions and study trips abroad
• Close supervision and individual support by teaching staff
• Option to pursue a one-year Master’s degree (M.F.A.) afterwards

Career Prospects & Professional Opportunities after the B.F.A.

After successfully completing the Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, various paths are open to you. You will be qualified to carry out independent artistic projects and can establish yourself in the freelance art scene or create art in public spaces. The broad artistic, methodological and practice-oriented training opens up additional perspectives in art-related professional fields.

• Work as a visual artist (e.g. exhibitions, own studios, art associations)
• Project work in public spaces or with social institutions
• Curation and organisation of exhibitions (e.g. at the HKS forum “level one” in Hamburg)
• Participation in interdisciplinary art projects
• Possibilities for further studies such as Master of Fine Arts

Study Location: Studying in Ottersberg

The Fine Arts programme takes place on the campus of the University of Arts in Social Sciences in Ottersberg (Lower Saxony). Throughout your studies, you have your own studio space at your disposal. Additionally, you have access to well-equipped workshops, a library and various artistic facilities. For practical work experience and networking, you can also make use of the exhibition space “level one” in Hamburg. With the cultural semester ticket, you also get free entry to numerous museums and cultural venues in Bremen.

Costs and Financing at a Glance

The University of Arts in Social Sciences Ottersberg charges tuition fees for the Bachelor’s degree programme. The current costs for studying Fine Arts are as follows:

• Tuition fee per semester: 1,554 €
• Additional costs for materials, excursions or individual working materials should be budgeted
• Various scholarship and funding opportunities, e.g. the Deutschlandstipendium
• With the cultural semester ticket, free access to many cultural institutions in Bremen

Further information on study financing and funding opportunities is offered by the university through individual advice.