Ausstellungsdesign (grundständig)

The Studium (university study) takes place at art academies. Learning environments include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, libraries, 3D laboratories, workshops, and studios. Students also engage in home-based learning, such as preparing for and following up on courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

This is a grundständig (undergraduate) Studium. It can be pursued at art academies, leading to degrees such as Diplom-Ausstellungsdesigner/in or Diplom-Szenograf/in. The standard duration of study is 4.5 years. This undergraduate program in Exhibition Design provides fundamental scientific knowledge in art, scenography, and design. Admission typically requires a general or subject-specific Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification), and sometimes passing an internal selection process at the university. Students with exceptional artistic talent may be admitted without a Hochschulreife. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, and practical exercises on topics such as Critical Ecologies, fundamentals of technical drawing, sound, practice, naturecultures, lighting design as a visual language, modular spatial installations, and a practical course in lighting technology. Graduates can work in fields such as exhibition design.

The standard duration of study is 9 semesters. However, according to the German Federal Statistical Office's 2024 report, the average actual duration of study is 17 semesters.

Studium costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student union, semester ticket). Additional Studium fees may apply for 'long-term students,' those pursuing a second Studium, or after exhausting a set amount of Studium credits. Expenses for learning materials and supplies, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required if exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the Deutsches Studierendenwerk and through the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG).

Seminar topics include Critical Ecologies, fundamentals of technical drawing, sound, practice, naturecultures, lighting design as a visual language, modular spatial installations, and a practical course in lighting technology. Practical Studium content may include internships, for example, in galleries.

Universities conduct aptitude tests or selection interviews, or they may require work samples from applicants.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements for this Studium (university degree program): Lectures and seminars during the semester in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms; possibly participating in online courses from home. Practical exercises, such as participating in workshops on digital media in 3D laboratories. Independent work: preparing for and following up on courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, writing term papers (also during semester breaks). Organization: independently planning the Studium within the given study structure, adhering to specified deadlines and study periods, and completing study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent required). Career preparation: possibly completing internships (e.g., in galleries, architectural offices), preparing for entry into the profession.

The following study subjects can be alternatives for the Ausstellungsdesign (grundständig) Studium: In the field of Design and Creation: Interior Architecture (grundständig), Design (grundständig), Scenography (grundständig), Communication Design, Visual Communication (grundständig), Media Design, -Art (grundständig). Commonalities include acquiring knowledge in areas such as art and art history, design, drafting, and design concepts, as well as developing and implementing design concepts.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful Studium: Art (e.g., art history and freehand drawing), Computer Science (e.g., digital image processing and CAD), Economics (e.g., to facilitate access to market research), Mathematics (e.g., spatial reasoning), English (e.g., reading and understanding foreign language technical literature).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. The following topics are relevant, for example: Business administration, foreign languages, time management, and work methodology. Internships, for example in galleries or architectural offices, specifically prepare for professional life. Opportunities for acquiring additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university).

The grundständig (undergraduate) study program Ausstellungsdesign conveys fundamental scientific knowledge in art, scenography, and design. It leads to a first university degree.

For graduates of a diploma Studium in Ausstellungsdesign, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, e.g., exhibition management, -planning, or interior architecture, spatial design, visual marketing.

In the 1920s, the German Werkbund and Bauhaus were founded. In the early 20th century, the first design 'Studium' (university degree programs) began, linking artistic and practical education. By the 1950s, specialization in design emerged, and Ausstellungsdesign (exhibition design) was established as an independent field of study. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, aiming to create a unified European higher education area, harmonize 'Studium' programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improve student and faculty mobility.

Degrees in this field include Diplom-Ausstellungsdesigner/in and Diplom-Szenograf/in.

If a 'Studium' (university degree program) is discontinued, the following 'Ausbildung' (vocational training) professions can be alternatives: In the field of Design and Styling: State-certified Assistant for Interior Architecture, Stage Painter and Stage Sculptor specializing in Painting, Stage Painter and Stage Sculptor specializing in Sculpture, State-certified Design Technical Assistant, and Interior Decorator. Common to these professions are interior design, lighting, and the use of audiovisual media for spaces. In the construction field, a Carpenter can be an alternative. Common to this is exhibition and trade fair construction, as well as interior design. Searching by professional fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on prospects after discontinuing a 'Studium', please refer to 'Studienabbruch - und dann?' and 'studienwahl.de'.

No remuneration is received during the 'Studium' (university degree program). However, compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases.

Regulations at the federal level include: The Model Framework Regulations for Diploma Examination Regulations - Universities and equivalent institutions - adopted by the Conference of Rectors and Presidents of Higher Education Institutions in the Federal Republic of Germany on 06.07.1998 (version of 04.07.2000) and by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the 'Bundesländer' (federal states) in the Federal Republic of Germany on 16.10.1998 (version of 13.10.2000). Also, the Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) in the version of the announcement from 19.01.1999, last amended by Article 1 of the Act of 15.11.2019. Framework specifications for the introduction of credit point systems and the modularization of 'Studium' (university degree programs) (Resolution of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs from 15.09.2000, as amended on 22.10.2004). The Qualification Framework for German Higher Education Degrees (developed in cooperation with the German Rectors' Conference, the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, and in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and adopted by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs).

The prerequisite for 'Studium' (university degree programs) at art academies is the general or, if applicable, subject-specific 'Hochschulreife' (higher education entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the 'Bundesland' (federal state) (e.g., Ministry of Culture). In most 'Bundesländer', 'Studium' is also possible without 'Hochschulreife' if a special artistic talent can be demonstrated. Information on access to higher education for professionally qualified individuals without a school-based higher education entrance qualification can be found at 'Zugang zur Hochschule in den einzelnen Bundesländern'. Additionally, an artistic portfolio (e.g., with drawings and sketches) may need to be submitted.

Graduates of a basic (grundständig) Studium (university degree) in Exhibition Design can further qualify themselves in advanced Studium programs, such as Exhibition Design, Interior Architecture, or Scenography, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Advanced Studium options include Exhibition Design (advanced), Design (advanced), Interior Architecture (advanced), and Scenography (advanced).