You can study Aesthetics and Art History as a bachelor or master student or a doctoral candidate at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste Braunschweig (HBK) / Braunschweig University of Art:
The HBK Braunschweig is an art academy with university status, and is empowered to confer doctorates. Because of the close collaborative programmes that exist internally between the Departments of Media Studies and Design, as well as external collaborations with the Liberal Arts Faculty at the Technische Universität Braunschweig (TU), studying Aesthetics and Art History at the HBK is an interdisciplinary university experience that leads students to acquire ecclectic perspectives.
Aesthetics and Art History studies at the HBK are exemplary, because they are an integrated part of all other degree programmes. Aesthetic phenomena, and models of art historic and aesthetic theory construction are critically analysed and related to contemporary art and design issues in courses offered through the Institute of Aesthetics and Art History, and this subject matter finds relevance in all cultural fields.
Contemporary art studies do maintain an omnipotent presence in seminars and lectures, yet students build upon a solid base of art history, thus acquiring the methodological and historical prerequisites of the field. Aesthetics and Art History at the HBK is not only thought of as being a bridge between theory and practice, but also as being a medium between different chronological perspectives. The confluence of liberal art, fine arts, and design makes the HBK unique in Germany and, needless to say, this opens up a broad research spectrum, which makes itself noticeable in the course selection.
Not only does this B.A. in Aesthetics and Art History mediate the fundamental competencies of academic practice, it much more imparts an awareness for the role of language in art. Bachelor students acquire essential knowledge concerning the objects, personalities, terms, methods, media, and history of the field. Also, courses offered through the Institute of Aesthetics and Art History offer students of the subject the chance to converge with students pursuing degrees in Media Studies, Fine Arts, and Design.
Studios and technical facilities make it possible for Aesthetics and Art History students to gain insight into the thought processes, technical realities, and other practicalities involved in design and art-making. Additional qualifications can be achieved in cooperation with local and regional museums, via participation in projects involving art exhibitions, urban space, magazines, or catalogues, by assisting in the development of e-learning programmes, or in the planning of conferences. Within the Bachelor of Arts, Aesthetics and Art History can be studied as a major or minor subject. BA graduates also subsequently qualify for entry in a research oriented master's degree with emphasis on specialisation.
Entry Requirements & Application
Applicants are required to provide proof of completed secondary schooling via school transcripts. Only a limited number of applicants are admitted each year, and the degree is always begun in the fall term; the same applies for those studying Aesthetics and Art History as a minor subject. Study places are issued primarily according to the grades from the submitted school transcripts. In the event that any spaces remain open, applicants will be chosen from a waiting list, or by interview when applicable.
By the end of May, more exact information concerning applications and deadlines will be available via the admissions office of the HBK. The application can be completed on-line. For students interested in transferring from other universities, it is possible to apply for studies commencing in the summer term.
Detailed informtion on the structure of the study course can be obtained on the (German) site http://www.hbk-bs.de/studiengaenge/kunstwissenschaft/studium/ba-08/.
Study Information
The university course Aesthetics and Art History at the HBK distinguishes itself by being fully integrated into the overall concept of an art university:
Aesthetic phenomena and the theory of Art Science are critically reflected and viewed in relation to contemporary art and present design practice. The reference to contemporary art is always central to the course but is based on solid knowledge of art history and on the historic-systematic requirements for the subject. Art Science at the HBK not only sees itself as a link between theory and practical experience but also between different time perspectives. The cooperation between science, art and design as well as the emphasis on aesthetics in this course are unique in Germany and have a huge influence on the spectrum of research as well as the range of teaching.
The Master Degree Course Aesthetics and Art History deepens the knowledge of objects, methods and perspectives within the subject. The course critically reflects on the tradition, motives and the perception apparatus of art. The main emphasis of this course lies in the area of production and reception of medial hybridization. Communicative, social and mediating competences are developed on excursions, during practical training and projects in cooperation with design, thus allowing to obtain and deepen knowledge in project management and conveying work qualifying experiences. Strengthening team work abilities are the main focus here.
Personal responsibility, scientific specialisation and independence are developed in the obligatory elective subject. Based on individual previous knowledge professional priorities are being set. The Master Degree thesis condenses the experiences from the whole study and serves as proof of ability to develop and work on an individual research subject. The Masters Degree in Aesthetics and Art History qualifies students to critically and independently work on scientific subject matters.
After finishing the Masters Degree Course students have the opportunity to do a PhD.
Detailed informtion on the structure of the study course can be obtained on the (German) site http://www.hbk-bs.de/studiengaenge/kunstwissenschaft/studium/master/.
Study information
The Braunschweig University of Art offers the conferral of a doctorate and awards the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) for scientific achievements in the study course Aesthetics and Art History. In order to proof that students can work thoroughly and independently on a subject they need to write a dissertation and pass an oral exam (Disputation).
Rules for admission for the conferral of a doctorate are determined by the doctorate regulations of the university. Mr. Lutz Röttger, head of the Department for Academic Affairs, can give you further information. The students receive professional and subject specific advice from their sponsoring professors (academic supervisors).
For further information: Admissions Office
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