Sculpture, Master of Fine Arts

Who is the Master of Fine Arts programme at Alanus University suitable for?

The Master’s degree course in Fine Arts (Master of Fine Arts) at Alanus University is aimed at individuals who have already completed a degree in the arts and wish to further deepen their artistic profile. The programme is particularly suitable for artists who aspire to professional self-employment in the field of fine arts, want to realise their own studio project, or wish to consciously reflect on and further develop their artistic practice. Graduates of art-related disciplines – such as design, art therapy, or art education – will also find a tailored offer here, provided that a sufficient practical component has been demonstrated in their previous studies. International students with appropriate German language skills can also be admitted.

What admission requirements apply?

• Completed artistic higher education degree (e.g. Bachelor of Fine Arts, Akademiebrief, Diploma in Arts) with a standard duration of study of at least three years.
• Alternatively: completed degree in an artistically applied field such as design, art therapy or art teaching (minimum standard duration of study: 3 years), with at least 110 credits in the area of artistic practice.
• If the minimum number of credits in the artistic field is missing, supplementary qualification is possible.
• Application process including submission of an artistic portfolio and a project outline (maximum 5 pages), describing the planned artistic undertaking and explaining the motivation for the master’s programme.
• A personal admission interview (on-site or online) in which portfolio and project outline are presented.
• International applicants require proof of German language skills at level B2; conditional enrolment with B1 is possible under certain conditions.
• Application deadline for international applicants: 15 June for the autumn semester.

Personal requirements – what should you bring with you?

• A pronounced artistic practice and motivation for independent, project-oriented work.
• Willingness to reflect on your own artistic position and develop it in exchange with lecturers and fellow students.
• Openness to interdisciplinary perspectives and engagement with art-theoretical and social issues.
• Ability to self-organise in order to independently plan and implement an individual artistic project over two years (full-time) or four years (part-time).
• For non-German-speaking applicants: secure German language skills for successful participation in seminar and project work.

What can you expect from the Master of Sculpture (MFA) at Alanus University?

The master’s programme in Sculpture concludes with the degree Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) and is aimed at artists who wish to further develop their artistic practice and prepare specifically for professional self-employment. The focus is on developing your own artistic profile, individual projects, and reflecting on the role of art in society.

Overview of course content: Which modules and topics are included in the programme?

• Artistic Practice:
  • 4-week orientation phase at the beginning of the studies
  • Independent work on the individual master’s project
  • Weekly colloquia and image discussions with professors and fellow students
  • Opportunity for individual specialist discussions
• Master Colloquium:
  • Thematically focused discourses
  • Exchange and reflection on different artistic approaches
• Professionalisation Modules:
  • Art and cultural management
  • Organisation and curation of your own exhibition
  • Legal and financial fundamentals of the art business
  • Self-marketing and conditions of professional self-employment
• Art in Context:
  • Independent art projects in the field of art and society
  • Expansion of artistic skills through transferable achievements
• Artistic Exercises and Supplementary Subjects:
  • Elective events, e.g. from the fields of architecture, business administration, education, Studium Generale
  • Change of perspective through interdisciplinary seminars
• Master’s Thesis:
  • Conceptualisation, realisation and presentation of an extensive artistic final project
  • Starting point is the project outline submitted during the application

How is the course structured?

• Duration of studies: 2 years (4 semesters) full-time or 4 years (8 semesters) part-time
• Study usually begins with the autumn semester.
• The individual master’s project accompanies you throughout the entire course.
• Regular exchange in colloquia, seminars and specialist discussions.
• Free choice of elective courses from art and other disciplines.
• Part-time study: Attendance days are distributed over about two weekdays, individually selectable according to your course preferences.
• Switching between part-time and full-time is possible.

Additional modules, special features and internationality

• Individual study programme: Each student creates their own curriculum within the offered modules and electives.
• Interdisciplinary exchange with other fields such as architecture or educational sciences.
• Regular international projects and study trips.
• Opportunity to realise a major exhibition project.
• Scholarship from Braunschweig Private Bank: €10,000 funding for outstanding artistic achievements in the programme (including exhibition with catalogue documentation).

Career prospects: In which fields can you work after graduation?

• Freelance artist with your own studio
• Art and exhibition organiser
• Art mediation and artistic projects in a social context
• Teaching at universities, art schools or in adult education
• Positions in art and cultural management, e.g. in gallery settings
• Conceptualisation and organisation of exhibitions, performances and art-related events
• Further development, for example in art theory, curation or artistic research

Where do you study? – Study location Alfter near Bonn

Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences is located in Alfter near Bonn. The course is taught on campus, giving you direct access to studio workspaces, workshops and personal exchange with lecturers and fellow students.

Even in part-time study, regular attendance days are required – they enable you to access all resources on campus.

Costs and funding options

• Tuition fees full-time: €416 per month
• Tuition fees part-time: €310 per month
• Funding opportunities:
  • BAföG funding is possible
  • Scholarship from Braunschweig Private Bank (annual, €10,000, selection procedure)
  • Further scholarships and funding options after individual advice

The semester fees are due at the beginning of each semester. Detailed information about current fees is provided by the university as part of comprehensive study counselling.