StudyQA — Bachelor: Fine Arts — Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Photos of university / #hanzeuas

Description Contents Requirements Funding More

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program at Hanze University of Applied Sciences offers a comprehensive and innovative education in visual arts, designed to develop students' artistic skills, creativity, and professional practices. This program provides a dynamic learning environment where aspiring artists and designers can explore various mediums, techniques, and conceptual approaches to contemporary art. Throughout the program, students engage in intensive studio practice, theoretical studies, and critical analysis, fostering their ability to produce meaningful and impactful artworks. The curriculum emphasizes experimentation, personal expression, and the development of a unique artistic voice, encouraging students to push boundaries and challenge conventional perspectives. Additionally, students have opportunities for interdisciplinary projects, international exchanges, and collaborations with industry professionals, enriching their artistic and professional repertoire. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in the arts, including artist, illustrator, designer, curator, or art educator. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated mentorship, and a vibrant creative community, students are supported in their artistic journey from conceptualization to realization. By the end of the program, graduates will have a robust portfolio showcasing their diverse skills and a solid foundation for further artistic development or professional practice. The BFA at Hanze ensures that students are well-equipped to navigate the evolving art world, contributing innovative work and engaging meaningfully with society through their art.

The Bachelor of Fine Art takes four years. Each year consists of two semesters of 16 weeks, concluded with a group work review and a project week or excursion week. Central to our curriculum is your own work, made in the studio. You will be confronted with a wide variety of approaches to art, concepts, mediums, materials and techniques. You will learn to reflect on our own work and that of others. During the first two years you will carry out assignments to gain knowledge and skills. You will also work independently to fully develop and explore your own artistic process. In the third year you will focus on your personal development as an artist in the studio. The final year is all about defining who you are as an artist and the uniqueness and quality of your work. You will write a final thesis and artistic statement and take part in a joint exhibition with your fellow students.

Making and thinking

For an artist, making and thinking are closely linked. This is reflected in our curriculum. You will be taught by a variety of tutors, who all have their own specialised professional background. Working in the studio and workshops is a central part of the programme. An additional part will connect theory and practice and prepare you for professional practice.

An overview of the programme:

Studio: working in the studio, workshop or any virtual environment
Studio Support: knowledge and skills in all visual domains
Studio Classroom: the relation between theoretical and practice based artistic research
Studio Electives: interdisciplinary and theoretical electives
Theory: knowledge of context of the visual arts. Art history, visual analysis, philosophy and art theory
Professional Practices: preparation for the professional practice

Personal development as an artist

Your personal development as an artist is central. This means you will follow your own programme, free to pursue subjects and activities that encourage your personal development. Part of this development is your Study Portfolio. You will further personalise your study programme by working with more than one medium and by getting to know different professional domains and artist positions. In your third year you can study abroad for a semester or apply for a minor. You can take part in (Honours) projects and assignments provided by Projectbureau/AMP or carry out research assignments for the Art & Society Research Centre. We offer a great many additional activities, like an international excursion at the start of your studies, guest lectures, project weeks, excursions, exhibitions, festivities and external projects, and many interesting, multidisciplinary OffCourses.

You can apply through Studielink (digital application form). After applying you will receive an invitation for an admission test. This assessment includes a home assignment and an academic assignment. To qualify for our bachelor’s programmes, you need to have completed either a pre-university secondary education, a higher general secondary education, an intermediate vocational education or a foundation course in higher professional education or similar. You may also be admitted to the Academy on the grounds of 'exceptional talent' and a good test performance.