Painting, Bachelor of Fine Arts

Who is the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) at Alanus University suitable for?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Fine Arts (Bachelor of Fine Arts) at Alanus University is aimed at individuals who aspire to a career in the arts and wish to engage intensively with contemporary painting, fine art, and related artistic disciplines. The programme is suitable for school leavers as well as for career changers with professional experience and proven artistic talent. International applicants who are artistically motivated and have the required German language skills will also find a working and learning environment here.

• Anyone with a strong motivation for artistic development, regardless of age
• Applicants interested in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and other visual media
• Individuals who envision a future career as a freelance artist or in art-related professions
• People who have an affinity for artistic-experimental work and are open to interdisciplinary, socially relevant issues

What admission requirements apply?

The following formal requirements must be met for admission to the Bachelor's degree programme in Fine Arts (B.F.A.):

• General or subject-specific university entrance qualification (Abitur);
• Alternatively: a completed vocational training and at least three years of professional experience and proof of a successful university entrance examination;
• In exceptional cases: proof of outstanding artistic talent in the entrance examination can replace the university entrance qualification.
• Successful participation in the artistic entrance examination, consisting of:
  • Submission of a portfolio with 20–30 independently created artistic works, no older than two years, from different or freely chosen media (e.g. painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, digital media, performance, etc.). The works must clearly demonstrate the motivation for study and willingness to experiment.
  • A personal interview to assess artistic aptitude.
• For international applicants: proof of sufficient German language skills at level B2 (in exceptional cases B1 at the start of studies with proof that level B2 will be achieved within one year; until the B2 certificate is submitted, only modules 1 and 2 may be attended).

In addition, the duration of studies may be shortened with relevant prior achievements and after passing a placement test. Admission to the programme is possible year-round; the start of studies is each autumn semester.

Personal requirements and qualities

The following personal requirements and qualities contribute to success in the Bachelor's degree programme in Fine Arts:

• Clear interest in artistic experimentation, independent work, and the development of an individual artistic style
• Independence, initiative, and willingness to take responsibility within projects and exhibitions
• Ability to accept criticism and openness towards different viewpoints as well as engagement with artistic feedback
• Perseverance, discipline, and the ability to structure artistic processes independently
• Ability to work in a team for collaborative work in the studio and interdisciplinary projects
• Spatial imagination and a sense for design and societal contexts
• Willingness to engage with theoretical content – for example, art history, aesthetics, and cultural studies

The programme does not require any specific technical prior knowledge; what matters more is one’s own motivation and willingness for continuous artistic development.

Detailed Course Content

The Bachelor's programme in Fine Arts at Alanus University in Alfter provides you with a broad spectrum of artistic, craft-related, and theoretical skills. The aim is to develop an independent visual and formal language as well as to position yourself within the field of contemporary art. From the very beginning, your learning is structured around your own artistic projects. The curriculum consists of the following focal points:

• Artistic Basic Modules (1st year):
  • Introduction to painting, drawing, and printmaking
  • Sculptural and plastic work
  • Artistic photography, video and moving images, sound, and digital working methods
  • Theoretical basic knowledge, such as art history and aesthetics
• Artistic Advanced Modules (2nd and 3rd year):
  • Individual artistic specialisation in freely selectable professors' classes
  • Participation in exhibitions and competitions
  • Practical experience through a several-week internship in an artistic or art-related professional field
  • Final module with public exhibition and written documentation of your Bachelor's thesis
• Interdisciplinary and Practice-Oriented Elements:
  • Workshops on various working techniques
  • Theoretical seminars and excursions
  • Cross-disciplinary projects within the framework of Studium Generale
  • Regular study trips and international projects

This diversity of subjects offers you a solid education in all areas of contemporary fine art – from the classical studio to installation or performative formats.

How is the course structured?

The Fine Arts programme (Bachelor of Fine Arts) is designed as a full-time course lasting six semesters or as a part-time course over ten semesters. From the outset, you have access to an individually usable studio space as well as extensive workshops and a modern media workshop. The most important components of your course progression are:

• Orientation phase: In the first year, you attend basic modules and deepen fundamentals.
• Focus classes: From the third semester onwards, you choose one of the professors' classes as your artistic specialisation. Here you receive individual support.
• Studio time: Independent, self-directed work in your own studio is highly valued.
• Colloquia: Weekly image discussions and individual meetings provide space for feedback and debate.
• Workshops: Interdisciplinary, practice-oriented further training complements the curriculum.
• Aesthetics and theory: Seminars and excursions complement the artistic-practical training.
• Internship: Later in your studies, you gain practical experience in an artistic or art-related professional field.
• Final phase: The course concludes with a public exhibition of your Bachelor's thesis including documentation and an oral examination.

The course is based on-site at the nature-surrounded Campus I – Johannishof. Switching to the part-time study and back is possible. Participation in international exchange programmes or semesters abroad is actively encouraged.

What career opportunities and professions does the course open up?

The Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts prepares you for a variety of activities in the field of art and culture. You can work as a freelance artist, participate in exhibitions and participatory projects, or become active in creative professional fields. Possible paths after graduation include, among others:

• Independent artistic activity (studio, exhibitions, art market)
• Work in creative and art-related professional fields (cultural institutions, galleries, museums, art mediation)
• Collaboration on artistic or cultural projects
• Advanced Master's programmes such as Master of Fine Arts, art therapy, or art education
• Participation in competitions, public art projects, and international collaborations

Thanks to the practice-oriented and interdisciplinary approach, you are excellently prepared for an independent artistic career or further study opportunities.

Study Location: Alanus University Alfter

Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences is located close to nature at Campus I – Johannishof in Alfter near Bonn. The site offers you a quiet, inspiring working atmosphere with the advantage that the art centres of the Rhineland are in close proximity. Additionally, you have access to modern workshops, spacious studios, and outdoor areas for sculptural work as well as an innovative media workshop and a photo studio. The campus is accessible around the clock and promotes exchange, interdisciplinary work, and international encounters.

What costs and funding options are available?

The full-time Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts costs 416 Euros per month, the part-time course 310 Euros per month. The tuition fees include all regular services of the study programme, including individual supervision.

• Scholarships and funding:
  • Art-on Scholarship: Three scholarships of 200 Euros monthly over one year, for talented and financially needy first-semester students
  • Karin Halft Scholarship: Two scholarships of 1,000 Euros annually for outstanding achievements (B.F.A. programme, 2nd to 5th semester)
  • Advice on further funding options (e.g. BAföG and additional scholarships at the university)

The university’s advisory service supports you with all questions regarding tuition fees, financing, and scholarships.