Study guidelines for students

Study programme: „Fine Arts”

Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

Contents:

§ 1 Scope of this dossier

§ 2 Requirements for study
§ 3 Aims of study
§ 4 Structure and duration of study
§ 5 Content of study
§ 6 1. year of study
§ 7 2. to 4. years of study
§ 8 Modules
§ 9 Progression of study
§ 10 Student advisory services
§ 11 Study plan
§ 12 When this syllabus takes effect

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§ 1 Scope of this dossier

This index sets out the aims, content, structure and formation of the course of study,
including the modules and qualifications on offer for the study programme “Fine Arts” at
the University of Fine Arts, Hamburg.

§ 2 Requirements for study

The specific requirements for enrolling at this institution can be found in the most recent
edition of the reference guide to enrolling for full time resident, guest and part-time resi-
dent students (students also attending classes at other institutions) of the Hamburg Uni-
versity of Fine Arts.

§ 3 Aims of study

The HFBK Hamburg is a University of both art and science. The aim of a course of study
here is to develop an individual, independent artistic approach which can be expressed in
a variety of artistic fields and techniques. Theoretical analysis is an integral part of this
goal. This University offers students the possibility of studies with the emphasis on art or
on science.

The “Fine Arts” study programme provides students with practical and theoretical qualifi-
cations which carry across the boundaries between disciplines, with a view to the variety
of fields in which artistic and scientific skills are required.

 Students will learn to engage with the properties of artistic materials, processes and
concepts, and to produce artwork with an experimental character which emphasises
its aesthetic qualities and aesthetic expression.

 Using this engagement as a basis, students will learn manual processes with which
they will be able to express, refine and further develop artistic ideas

 The course of study will include gaining the ability to present one’s own artwork to
an audience and to translate it into several communication media.

 Artistic skills and artistic theory will be imparted to students. Skill and theory will
enable analysis of students’ own artwork as they accompany and enhance the crea-
tive process.

 Students of scientific departments will learn to formulate theoretical and historical

problems and to present them critically and analytically in a scientific context.

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§ 4 Structure and duration of study

(1) The time necessary to complete the “Fine Arts” study programme consists of four
academic years, including the exam period (official study time 8 semesters).

(2) The academic year begins in the winter semester.

(3) The study programme is divided into the following departments:

 Sculpture
 Stage design
 Design
 Film
 Graphic art/Typography/Photography
 Painting/Drawing
 Time-based Media
 Art Theory and History

§ 5 Content of study

(1) Information and skills which are a necessary component of study will be transmit-
ted during modules which are divided into three categories: “Orientation/Basics”,
“Artistic Development” and “Scientific Studies”, and are supplemented by accom-
panying courses.

(2) An especially important part of the study programme is the artistic or scientific
projects undertaken by students. These projects will enable students to gain the
necessary qualifications for making innovative contributions to the national and in-
ternational art community. Projects may be completed within HFBK or in another
context.

§ 6 Foundation year

(1) Core module: “An Introduction to Working in Art”. This module is only taken dur-
ing the first year. It is the introduction to all artistic work and must be taken by all
first-year students (see Appendix 1 for the teaching elements of this module).

(2) Core module: “Scientific Studies”: Students must successfully complete two mod-
ules in the discipline of science (see Appendix 1 for a list of modules).

(3) “Accompanying courses”: Students must take part in two foundation courses and
two practical courses (see Appendix 1).

(4) Presentation of Artistic Work: Students will present their artistic work at the end
of the 1st year.

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§ 7 2. to 4. years of study

(1) The curriculum for the 2. to 4. years of study consists of modules in the study
areas “Artistic Development” (see Section 2) and Scientific Studies (see Section 3)
as well as accompanying courses (see Section 4) This range of options will allow
students to determine the form of their own course of study. Individual artistic
and scientific aims, not least the development and realisation of individual pro-
jects, will be extensively supported by the taught elements of the modules and
the accompanying courses.

(2) The following modules are offered for the topic “Artistic Development”

 Concept Design
 Digital Graphics
 Experimental Design
 Experimental Media
 Film/ moving image in time
 Graphic Art
 Mixed Media
 Painting/Drawing
 Photography
 Product Design
 Sculpture
 Social Design
 Stage Design
 Typography
 Video

These modules will run in the 3. to 4. semester, the 5. to 6. semester, and in the
7. to 8. semester. They will enable students to formulate artistic questions and to
explore them through independent work. The study of the background to artistic
disciplines, both historical and contemporary, which the style elements in artistic
work relate to and which they also contrast themselves with, is essential to this
process. Engagement with traditional techniques and aesthetics is essential to
this, as is engagement with a variety of media within culture and connections be-
tween media.

(3) The following core modules are offered for „Scientific Study”:

 Aesthetic theories
 Design theory and history
 Art and cultural sciences with gender studies
 Art history
 Art criticism
 Philosophy

These modules will run from the 3. to 4. semester, the 5. to 6. semester, and in
the 7. and 8. semesters. As well as an introduction to scientific work, they will

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 provide students with an understanding of the fundamental artistic issues, ques-
tions, approaches and knowledge which are essential for an in-depth examination
of artistic problems and for realising ideas for art in a well-founded way. In addi-
tion these modules will be concerned with enabling and imparting knowledge of
art theory and history which will make a variety of concepts in culture and art ac-
cessible and allow a detailed analysis of these concepts. This will allow students to
understand the parameters within which their own artwork is situated. At the
same time, the possibilities for advanced scientific study make it possible for stu-
dents to concentrate on science in their studies.

(4) The accompanying courses include group tutorials, foundation courses and practi-
cal courses.

Group tutorials: In these courses, students present their own artistic work to the
group for discussion. In doing so they develop methods of presentation and of en-
gaging with and transmitting the subject. Group tutorials are available from the 2.
semester through to the 4. semester. Group tutorials are available to students of
the following departments:

 Concept Design
 Digital Graphics
 Experimental Design
 Experimental Media
 Film/the moving image
 Graphic Art
 Mixed Media
 Painting/Drawing
 Photography
 Product Design
 Sculpture
 Social Design
 Stage Design
 Typography
 Video

Foundation courses mainly involve preparatory instruction in art, enabling stu-

dents to gain a perspective on how to work with artistic techniques and with dif-
ferent media as well as to better determine which subjects to choose and which
projects to develop. Foundation courses will be available from the 1. through to
the 4. year of study. Students may choose any of the following foundation cours-
es:

 Basics of Sculpture
 Basics of Stage Design
 Basics of Design
 Basics of Film
 Basics of Graphic Art/Typography/Photography

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  Basics of Painting/Drawing
 Basics of Time-based Media

Practical courses are concerned with teaching skills in working by hand and un-
derstanding of materials, which are required for many areas of art. These courses
assist in the development of individual projects in both technical and artistic re-
spects. Practical courses are available from the 1. through to the 4. year of
study. Students may choose any of the following practical courses:

 Artificial Materials
 Audiolab
 CAD (Computer Aided Design)/3D
 Ceramics
 Computers
 Digital Editing/Film
 Digital Typography and Graphics
 Electronics
 Film production
 Film Studio
 Final Cut
 Fine Metalwork
 Library
 Metal
 Mixed Media/Creating Art Using the Internet
 Photo Studio
 Photography analogue
 Photography digital
 Plaster
 Prepress Workshop; Digital Publishing
 Printing Techniques (Etching, Lithography, Digital, hybrid techniques)
 Publishing Workshop; Analogue Publishing
 Screen Printing
 Textiles
 Video
 Wood

(5) Throughout their course of study, students must complete core modules in the
areas of “Artistic development” and “Scientific Studies” as well as accompanying
courses. The number of modules and accompanying courses which must be com-
pleted can be found in the Study Plan, which ensures that the minimum number of
credits needed for the degree are gained (see Study Plan in Appendix 1)

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§ 8 Courses

The courses are of different types: they may be lectures, seminars, exercises, individual
tutorials, group tutorials, foundation courses, practical courses, projects (non-taught),
colloquiums or excursions.

 Lectures are concerned with the different systems of interpretation of the subject of
study. They usually take the form of a talk delivered by the person leading the
class.

 Seminars involve discussing specific themes in detail. They demand and encourage
independent work in the areas of both art and science.

 Exercises involve practical work to a great degree; “Studies from Originals” is a tra-
ditional course for art history, which mainly involves taking paintings, sculptures
and other art objects as subjects for one’s own work, or, in the case of architectural
studies, a building.

 Individual tutorials are associated mainly with the realisation of projects. These dis-
cussions between student and tutor focus on the results of creative work, and inte-
grate subject-related knowledge and knowledge which crosses subject boundaries
as well as both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

 For group tutorials, foundation courses and practical courses see Paragraph 7, Sec-
tion 4.

 Projects are devoted to specific practical assignments, agreed on in discussion with

one or several tutors.

 Colloquiums: are informal discussion forums dealing with artistic or scientific issues.

 Excursions expand students’ knowledge and experience through encounters with

works of visual art in locations both in Germany and elsewhere. Above all, they ex-
pand student’s artistic horizons and inspire their own artistic ideas.

§ 9 Progression of study

(1) A course of study is divided into modules, accompanying courses and independent
study. Tutors will indicate what form the independent study should take, which
will reflect individual study aims and the workload involved in the modules and the
accompanying courses

(2) The most significant part of the independent study will be the studio work.

(3) The content of modules and study aims, as well as the amount of independent
study involved, can be found in the descriptions for modules and accompanying
courses.

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(4) Proof will be issued of the successful completion of modules and accompanying
courses (see section 20 of the Examination and Assessment handbook). In order
to achieve international compatibility of the study program “Fine Arts” and to sim-
plify transfer of students between countries, the European Credit Transfer System
(ECTS) will be used (see section 20 of the Examination and Assessment hand-
book.)

(5) Students are recommended to spend a semester studying at another academy of

art or general university abroad, which has an agreement with the HFBK regarding
transfer of credits. Artistic or scientific qualifications gained at this institution will
be accepted by the HFBK without any need for an examination on the study con-
tent covered while abroad, including interim exams in the corresponding modules
at HFBK Hamburg. Part-examinations will be credited to an appropriate HFBK
module.

§ 10 Student advisory services

(1) Advice will be extensively available to students during the planning of their course
of study, and in particular during the choosing of modules.

(2) Student advisory services are organised by each department independently. An

individual consultation is strongly recommended. In case of a failure to pass ex-
ams or a change of study programme or of higher-education institution, student
advisory services must be consulted and students must produce written proof of
this.

(3) At the beginning of courses of study, incoming students will be informed in detail
about the structure and content of the “Fine Arts” study programme.

§ 11 Study Plan

The Study Plan gives recommendations on how to structure your period of study. It also
includes hints on how study work should be arranged with reference to the exam timeta-
ble, to ensure that it is completed within the available time.

§ 12 When this syllabus takes effect

The study syllabus is published after being authorised by the University’s Präsidium. They
will first apply to students who begin their studies in the winter semester 2008/2009.

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Appendix 1:

Modules for the study areas „Orientation/Basics”, „Artistic Development″ and

„Scientific Studies″ with accompanying courses

Orientation/Basics:
1. and 2. semester:
Module Department
An introduction to artistic work in sculpture Sculpture

An introduction to artistic work in stage design Stage Design

An introduction to artistic work in design Design

An introduction to artistic work in film Film

An introduction to artistic work in graphic Graphic

art/typography/photography Art/Typography/Photography
An introduction to artistic work in painting/drawing Painting/Drawing

An introduction to artistic work in time-based media Time-based Media

Artistic Development:
3. to 8. semester:
Module Department

Sculpture Sculpture
Stage Design Stage Design
Concept Design
Experimental Design
Design
Product Design
Social Design
Experimental Media
Mixed Media Time-based Media
Video
Digital Graphics
Graphic Art Graphic
Photography Art/Typography/Photography
Typography
Painting/Drawing Painting/Drawing
Film/ the moving image Film

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Scientific Studies (Modules available from 1. to 8. semester):

Module Department
Aesthetic theories
Design theory and history
Art and cultural sciences with gender studies
Theory and History
Art history
Art criticism
Philosophy

Accompanying courses:

Foundation (1. – 8. semester):

 Basics of sculpture
 Basics of stage design
 Basics of design
 Basics of film
 Basics of graphic art/typography/photography
 Basics of painting/drawing
 Basics of time-based media

Group tutorials (3. – 8. semester):

 Concept Design
 Digital Graphics
 Experimental Design
 Experimental Media
 Film/the moving image
 Graphic Art
 Mixed Media
 Painting/Drawing
 Photography
 Product Design
 Sculpture
 Social Design
 Stage Design
 Typography
 Video

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Practical courses (1.- 8. semester):

 Artificial Materials
 Audiolab
 CAD (Computer Aided Design)/3D
 Ceramics
 Computers
 Digital Editing/Film
 Digital Typography and Graphics
 Electronics
 Film production
 Film Studio
 Final Cut
 Fine Metalwork
 Library
 Metal
 Mixed Media/Creating Art Using the Internet
 Photo Studio
 Photography analogue
 Photography digital
 Plaster
 Prepress Workshop; Digital Publishing
 Printing Techniques (Etching, Lithography, Digital, hybrid techniques)
 Publishing Workshop; Analogue Publishing
 Screen Printing
 Textiles
 Video
 Wood

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Specimen study plan

Semester Module area/accompanying courses credits

1 1 module from the study area Orientation/Basics: An introduction to working in 12

art

1 module from the study area Scientific Studies 8

1 accompanying foundation course 4

1 accompanying practical courses 4

2 1 module from the study area Orientation/Basics: An introduction to working in 12

art

1 module from the study area Scientific Studies 8

1 accompanying foundation course 4

1 accompanying practical course 4

Presentation of work 4

3 1 module from the study area Artistic Development 14

1 module from the study area Scientific Studies 8

2 accompanying courses or, alternatively, 1 module from the study area “Scien- 8
tific Studies”

4 1 module from the study area Artistic Development 14

1 module from the study area Scientific Studies 8

2 accompanying courses or, alternatively, 1 module from the study area “Scien- 8
tific Studies”

5 1 module from the study area Artistic Development 14

1 module from the study area Scientific Studies 8

2 accompanying courses or, alternatively, 1 module from the study area “Scien- 8
tific Studies”

6 1 module from the study area Artistic Development 14

1 module from the study area Scientific Studies 8

2 accompanying courses or, alternatively, 1 module from the study area “Scien- 8
tific Studies”

7 1 module from the study area Artistic Development 14

1 module from the study area Scientific Studies 8

2 accompanying courses or, alternatively, 1 module from the study area “Scien- 8
tific Studies”

8 1 module from the study area Artistic Development 4

2 accompanying courses or, alternatively, 1 module from the study area "Scien- 8
tific Studies”

Bachelor paper 18

Total amount of study in credits 240

For the denomination of a department in the Diploma Supplement must be proven 50% of in the
appropriate department maximally to reaching credits.