Digital Fabrication Design , Bachelor of Fine Arts

Who is the Bachelor’s Degree in Sculpture/Installation Suitable For?

The Bachelor’s degree in Sculpture/Installation at the University of Fine Arts Essen is aimed at anyone who wishes to engage artistically with space, form and material. It particularly addresses creative people who are interested in figurative sculpture, object art, performance or multimedia installation. The target group includes both school graduates with university entrance qualifications as well as creative career changers who want to advance their artistic development. The course is also interesting for those who can envisage a later freelance artistic activity, a teaching position in the arts sector or a role in the cultural sector – for example as a curator.

What Formal Requirements Apply for Admission?

The following formal requirements must be met for admission to the Sculpture/Installation degree programme (B.F.A.) at the University of Fine Arts Essen:

• Proof of university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, advanced technical college entrance qualification or equivalent qualification).
• Curriculum vitae in tabular form.
• Submission of an artistic portfolio with own work samples.

The focus of the application process is a convincing artistic portfolio. After submission, the professors review the works. Feedback on the result is given within 14 days.

What Personal Requirements Should I Bring with Me?

Besides the formal qualifications, the following personal qualities and skills are particularly helpful for the course of study:

• A pronounced artistic-creative talent.
• Enjoyment of experimental and practical-creative work with different materials and media.
• Openness to interdisciplinary work and interest in contemporary art.
• Initiative, self-reflection as well as willingness to continuously further develop one’s own artistic position.
• Communication and teamwork skills to engage in individual and group discussions with lecturers and fellow students.

The course does not require any specific prior knowledge in sculpture or installation, but commitment in artistic practice is expected. A strong interest in art theory, new forms of expression and exchange with others provide a valuable foundation.

What can you expect from the Bachelor's degree in Sculpture/Installation?

The Sculpture/Installation degree programme at the University of Fine Arts Essen offers you the opportunity to develop your own artistic position and acquire practical skills in the field of three-dimensional art. You engage with artistic-aesthetic shaping in and with space. A special focus is placed on the handling of various materials, media, and technical components. During your studies, you will get to know different approaches such as figurative sculpture, object art, performance, and multimedia installation, and develop your individual artistic focus.

• Intensive individual supervision by teaching staff
• Small course groups for individual work
• Interdisciplinary learning through projects and subjects like photography/media art and painting/graphics in the first semester
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration and new perspectives through interdisciplinary projects
• Seminars and lectures on art studies as a theoretical foundation
• Professionalisation through modules on exhibition management and media communication

How does the course proceed?

The Bachelor's programme comprises a total of seven semesters full-time (equivalent to about three and a half years) and can also be completed part-time over eleven semesters. At the beginning of your studies, you will become familiar with various artistic disciplines before choosing your own specialisation. You will be supported through individual discussions and colloquia with professors in order to promote your individual artistic personality.

• Practical project work in the studio and in space
• Theory-based seminars to develop background knowledge and critical thinking
• Participation in interdisciplinary projects and collaborations
• Support from experienced lecturers
• Acquisition of key skills for the art sector (e.g. exhibition management)
• Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with 210 ECTS credits

Which career paths are open to you?

As a graduate of the Sculpture/Installation degree programme, you have a variety of career options in the arts and cultural sector. Central perspectives include:

• Freelance artist: independent working, participation in competitions and funding programmes for financing
• Sale of your own artworks via galleries, fairs and exhibitions
• Working as an assistant to renowned artists or taking on commissions
• Working as a teacher at universities, art academies or—through further pedagogical studies—also at schools
• Professions in museums and galleries, such as curator
• Professionalisation in exhibition organisation, public relations and marketing

During your studies, you are specifically prepared for professional collaboration with galleries and institutions and gain insights into relevant networks and contact opportunities.

Where will you study?

The degree programme takes place at the Essen campus, a city with a diverse art and cultural landscape. The University of Fine Arts Essen (HBK Essen) offers a modern and inspiring working environment tailored individually to the needs of art students. Small groups allow for intensive supervision and access to well-equipped studios and workshops.

What does the course cost and how can you finance it?

• The regular tuition fees amount to 495 euros per month.
• Depending on individual circumstances, a reduction to at least 247.50 euros per month is possible.
• The total costs for the course amount to about 20,000 euros in total.
• Financing options such as scholarships, government grants and instalment payments are possible.

It is possible to start your studies in either the summer semester (April) or the winter semester (October).