The course

Focuses of this course of study

The course spans ten semesters and is made up of three parts: In the first two foundation years, in addition to the major subject, a range of foundation subjects, including jewellery-related techniques is part of the curriculum. The third and fourth years of the main study period are, in the main, devoted to studio work. The fifth year is dedicated entirely to studio work in preparation for the diploma presentation and research for the thesis. Parallel to the practical work, lectures and seminars in art history and philosophy are taught as part of the curriculum. Students graduate with a Diploma in Fine Art that is equivalent to an MFA. Burg Giebichenstein provides excellent conditions for study, especially with regard to the presence of tutors and personal tuition, studio space and technical facilities. Because of the mutual foundation years and the proximity of the other departments at Burg Giebichenstein, a cross-discipline exchange takes place.

Course of study

The Jewellery programme is based on individual studio work with regular individual consultations and weekly tutorials. There are up to twenty students in the jewellery class. At the commencement of the first year, an assignment is set for first-year students which each solves in his or her own way, in order to develop an individual field of research. Building on this, the students develop and follow their own projects.

Students are supervised in formal and practical questions by the head of department and the artistic assistant. Technical questions are directed to the studio manager. Exchange projects with other national and international art schools, seminars and workshops with guests and exhibitions locally and abroad provide students with opportunities to gather experience and make contacts in preparation for a career in the field of art. It is our aim to transcend the traditionally handed-down skills and methods of the craft, to investigate the current developments in contemporary jewellery, to redefine content and aims, and to perceive what is happening in other art forms. Graduates should be in the position to choose and investigate their own themes and fields of research and to realise their ideas independently using the appropriate craftsmanship. The aim is to develop an individual artistic language and standpoint.

Prerequisites

The equivalent of a German higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) and artistic suitability is required. Exceptions may be made for those applicants who have passed the Artistic Aptitude Test with exceptional ability. The passing of an internally held entrance examination which takes place once a year. Practical goldsmithing skills are desirable, but not a prerequisite. Foreign applicants must have good German-language skills (as demonstrated by the DSH or TestDaF tests). Students are required to have a good knowledge of German (certified by DSH or TestDaF).

Degree

‘Diplom’ degree in Fine Arts