Painting/Graphic art, Bachelor of Fine Arts

Who is the Painting/Graphics degree at HBK Essen suitable for?

The Bachelor's degree in Painting/Graphics at the Hochschule der bildenden Künste Essen is aimed at prospective artists who have a deep interest in painterly, graphic, and printmaking forms of expression. It particularly addresses individuals who wish to develop their own artistic position and are looking for a professional environment to build an artistic career. The course is suitable for everyone who prefers practical work, values interdisciplinary perspectives, and later wants to focus their professional career on creative or teaching fields such as freelance art, museum work, galleries, or art education.

Admission requirements at a glance

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or an equivalent school leaving certificate is required. The latest school report is part of the application documents.
• Curriculum vitae: This must be submitted with the online application.
• Artistic aptitude: Admission to the Bachelor's programme depends primarily on meaningful work samples, which must be compiled in an artistic portfolio. The quality of this portfolio decides on admission.
• Application procedure:
  • Step 1: Registration and submission of the online application with CV and latest school report.
  • Step 2: Submission of the artistic portfolio in accordance with the university’s guidelines. Emphasis is placed on individual creativity, the development of own ideas, and personal motivation.
  • Step 3: After review by the professors, the result will be communicated within 14 days.
• Flexible portfolio submission: The portfolio can be submitted in person, by post, or digitally. Digital submissions are possible via USB stick, file hosting, or online linking.

The university provides supplementary guidelines regarding the detailed criteria of the artistic portfolio. Interested parties can also participate in special workshops or courses for portfolio preparation.

Personal requirements and recommended skills

• Artistic curiosity: Willingness to try out various artistic techniques and engage in an interdisciplinary course of study.
• Independence and self-organisation: The development of a personal artistic style requires initiative, perseverance, and independent work.
• Openness to feedback: The close guidance by teaching staff requires a willingness to accept constructive feedback and to reflectively further develop one's own artistic process.
• Willingness to communicate: Communication skills are beneficial in exchange with teaching staff and fellow students as well as in projects outside the studio.

The degree is ideal for creative personalities who seek dialogue with other disciplines, ambitiously pursue their artistic career, and want to prepare for active exchange within the art scene.

What can you expect in the Painting/Graphics degree programme?

In the Bachelor’s degree programme Painting/Graphics at the University of Fine Arts Essen, you acquire comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in all areas of painting, graphics and printmaking. The programme provides you with well-founded artistic techniques and a broad understanding of both classical and contemporary forms of expression.

• Artistic Practice: You will learn about the diverse expressive possibilities of painting, drawing and printmaking. The focus is on both classical techniques and innovative approaches in dialogue with new media and spatial concepts. The goal is to develop your own artistic position.
• Interdisciplinarity: In the first semester, you can explore other disciplines such as sculpture/installation and photography/media art and choose your personal focus. Individual consultations and colloquia with professors with different artistic approaches will accompany you continuously. Interdisciplinary projects open up new perspectives for you.
• Theoretical Foundation: Seminars and lectures in art studies help you to reflect scientifically on your artistic practice and to develop a solid professional foundation.
• Professionalisation: Complementary modules prepare you for the art business. Here you will acquire skills in exhibition management, media communication and marketing.
• Personal Support: The courses are deliberately kept small, allowing for very close supervision by the teaching staff.

How is the degree programme structured?

The Painting/Graphics degree programme is designed as an on-campus course and can be completed either full-time or part-time. The standard period of study is 7 semesters (full-time) or 11 semesters (part-time).

• Start of studies: At the official start times in the summer semester (April) or winter semester (October).
• Modules: After a general introductory phase, you will focus on your artistic emphasis. The course consists of individual and group projects, colloquia, seminars, practical workshops and excursions.
• Independent projects: The course promotes your individual artistic development, e.g. through the B.F.A. project and exhibitions.
• Degree: Upon successful completion, you will be awarded the academic degree Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a total of 210 ECTS credits.

What professional perspectives does the degree programme open up?

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting/Graphics, diverse career paths in the arts and cultural sector open up for you. As a graduate, you are well prepared for an independent artistic career as well as for advanced roles in the cultural and creative environment.

• Freelance artist: You can work as a self-employed artist, sell your own artworks, participate in competitions and utilise funding programmes.
• Teaching and art mediation: With a follow-up Master’s degree, for example in art education, you can qualify for teaching activities at schools.
• Galleries and museums: After your studies, you can be employed in the organisation, management or curation of exhibitions in museums, galleries and elsewhere.
• Assistance and commissioned work: Many graduates work as assistants to well-known artists or undertake art-related commissioned works.
• Marketing and public relations: Knowledge in media communication and exhibition management enables you to work in PR, marketing or art management.

The Essen location – Learning in an artistic environment

The University of Fine Arts Essen offers you an inspiring environment in the heart of the Ruhr area. The Essen location is known for its vibrant art and cultural scene and provides you with direct access to numerous museums, galleries and institutions.

• Place of study: HBK Essen is conveniently located in the Essen-Burgaltendorf district (Prinz-Friedrich-Straße 28A, 45257 Essen).
• Artistic network: During your studies, you will benefit from exchanges with other students, lecturers and regional as well as international cooperation partners.
• Practical relevance: Through regular exhibitions and interdisciplinary projects, you gain early practical experience in the immediate environment of the art scene.

Costs at a glance and financing options

Studying at HBK Essen is subject to fees. In return, you receive intensive personal support and access to a wide range of resources.

• Tuition fees: The monthly fee is normally 495 €. Under certain conditions, it can be reduced to up to 247.50 € per month. The total costs over 7 semesters amount to approximately 20,000 €.
• Funding options: Various options are available for financing, for example BAföG, scholarship programmes, educational funds or instalment payments.
• Special conditions: Individual support and advice on financing are offered by the university.

With these framework conditions, the University of Fine Arts Essen creates the best prerequisites for your successful start into a professional artistic career.