Bern University of the Arts Department of Design and Fine Arts

Summary

Mission

The BUA is firmly rooted in this world.
It is geared to the global social processes
while, at the same time, being
anchored in its local and regional setting.
As a university that unites all the
different artistic disciplines under a
single roof, it aspires – in the interests
of its members – to assert itself in
these processes in a responsible manner
and to play a part in shaping them.

The BUA is an international, multilingual
university. Its students and lecturers
come from more than 30 countries.
It views cultural differential as creative
potential, which is to be fostered and
not overcome. The BUA particularly
cherishes its French/German bilingualism


As a University of the Arts, the BUA
is committed to the individuality of its
members. It provides the best possible
conditions for ensuring that this individuality
can evolve.
The BUA expects a high artistic and/
or specialist, methodical and didactic
competence from its lecturers, an
active confrontation with research
issues, the capacity of self-reflection,
enjoyment of working with young people,
a sense of responsibility and the
readiness to stand up for the aims and
values of the BUA both internally and
externally.

Teaching occupies a central role in
everyday university life at the BUA.
The teaching and learning process is
viewed as a joint project between students
and lecturers, with both sides
assuming responsibility for its success.

The BUA accords a high status to research. It
plays an active role in the development
of disciplinary research standards and
looks for new forms of research in art.
It works on the assumption that findings
are formulated in works of art
and that these, in their media-specific
presentation forms, rank equally with
systems of scientific findings.

The BUA views itself as a venue for
artistic production and experiment and
thus creates publicity in this way. The
University is one of the key cultural
providers in Berne and contributes
towards an open, innovative and lively
cultural climate.

International role

The Design and Fine Arts department ist part of an international multilingual university with students and lecturers from different countries. Cultural diversity is perceived as a creative potential which is persistently to be fostered. The BUA plays an active role in the ERASMUS network, not only by sending their students and teachers abroad but also by participating in research projects under the framework of the LLP.
Internationalisation at Bern University of the Arts is still young. Never the less the Department of Fine Arts and Design is linked to many partners in Europe through its research- and studyactivities.

National role

As a research institute and an event center the department of Design and Fine Arts is an important stahkeholder in the cultural live of the city of Berne and its surroundings. Major events such as the "Biennale Bern" and a huge number of exhibitions are jointly organised with cultural professionals and partners from the world of Business.

Main focus

the main focus is on independent, mentored project work which is accompanied by theoretical teaching

Education

Faculties and departments

Art Education
Visual Communication
Fine Arts

Bachelor level programs

BA Art Education, 3 years
BA Visual Communication, 3 years
BA Fine Arts, 3 years
BA Music, 3 years
BA Music and Movement, 3 years
BA Theatre, 3 years
BA Literary Writing, 3 years
BA Conservation, 3 years

Master level programs

MA Art Education, 2 years
MA Communication Design, 2 years
MA Contemporary Arts Practice/Fine Arts, 2 years
MA Music Performance, 2 years
MA Specialized Music Performance, 2 years
MA Music Pedagogy, 2 years
MA Composition/Theory, 2 years
MA Theatre, 2 years
MA Conservation-Restoration, 2 years

Research

Research activity and main areas

Research at the Bern University of Arts BUA ist close to practise and transdisciplinary. Together with partners from economics, science, administration and the cultural sector, we develop new knowledge and make it available to the public as well as persons or institutions commissioning research.

Our research activity is defined by the connection of scientific and artistic approaches or procedures. The research conducted at the BUA is organised into four research areas (Forschungsschwerpunkte FSP):
Intermediality, Interpretation, Communication Design, Materiality in Art and Culture

Doctorate level programs

No PhD yet

Exchange

Subject areas for exchange students

Exchange students are welcome at all subject areas taught at Bern University of the Arts.

Application deadlines

15. Nov/Spring
15. June/Autumn

Teaching languages

German
Mentoring/Thesis also in English and French.
A high percentage of teachers are familiar with English

Semester dates

Spring:February-June
Autumn:Mid September-Mid January

Cost of living per month (studying and living)

500 Euros - Tuition fee/term
living costs: 1000 Euros