Bildende Künste (weiterführend)
What is Bildende Künste (weiterführend)?
Programs that lead to this profession
Arts & Design field →The profession Bildende Künste (weiterführend) in Germany is generally reached through programs in the Arts & Design field:
– Church Music
Master · Hochschule für Musik Freiburg
– Elemental Music Pedagogy
Master · Hochschule für Musik Freiburg
3D Animation for Film and Games
Master · Technische Hochschule Köln
Accessory Design
Bachelor · Hochschule Pforzheim
Accordion
Bachelor · Hochschule für Musik Würzburg
Accordion
Master · Hochschule für Musik Würzburg
Detailed Information
▶ Places of Learning
The Studium (university studies) takes place at universities, art academies, and universities of applied sciences. Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, libraries, computer labs, workshops, and studios. At home, activities such as preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses are also part of the learning process.
▶ Programme Duration
The standard duration of Studium (university studies) is 2-4 semesters.
▶ Study Costs
Studium (university studies) costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk (student services), the student body, semester ticket). If applicable, Studium (university studies) fees may be charged for 'long-term students,' for a second Studium (university studies), or after exhausting a set amount of Studium (university studies) credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance may be required (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income limits). Information on funding opportunities can be found at Deutsches Studierendenwerk. Funding is also available under the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG) (Federal Education Assistance Act).
▶ Study Content
Modules may include: Studio or Werkstatt (workshop) work, sculpture, stage design, design, film, graphics / typography / photography, artistic project development, artistic techniques and processes, painting/drawing, theory and history, time-based media. Practical Studium (university studies) content, depending on the university, includes internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in artist studios), and exhibition projects.
▶ Study Situation
One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures and seminars are attended in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; if necessary, online courses can be attended from home. For those pursuing part-time Studium (university studies), weekdays are spent working, with university attendance in the evenings or on weekends. Practical exercises, such as artistic design work, are carried out in studios and Werkstatt's (workshops). Independent work involves preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during lecture-free periods). Scientific research aims to deepen skills in academic work. Organization and planning mean independently planning one's Studium (university studies), adhering to prescribed study periods, and submitting Studium (university studies) and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Career preparation may also be necessary.
▶ Study Alternatives
The following Studium (university studies) subjects can be alternatives for Bildende Künste (weiterführend) (Advanced Fine Arts): Design and Creative Arts Field: Scenography (advanced), Design (advanced), Jewelry Design (advanced), Costume Design (advanced), Stage Design (advanced). Commonalities: Acquiring knowledge in design and art history, design and fine arts, as well as areas like drawing and graphics; developing and implementing design concepts. Art and Culture Field: Cultural Management (advanced), Art History (advanced), Art Studies (advanced), Art Education (advanced), Cultural Education (advanced), Art Therapy (advanced), Museology (advanced). Commonality: Acquiring knowledge in areas such as art history, art and cultural studies, cultural techniques, art theory and aesthetics, as well as analysis and interpretation of artworks. Museums, Restoration, and Monument Preservation Field: Conservation (advanced), Restoration (advanced). Commonality: Acquiring knowledge in these fields.
▶ Entry Study Subjects
Universities typically require the following undergraduate degrees: Fine Arts (undergraduate), Conservation (undergraduate), Restoration (undergraduate).
▶ Additional Qualifications
Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. Topics such as presentation and public relations are relevant. Internships, for example in studios or cultural offices, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university): Universities in Germany - Hochschulkompass University Search.
▶ The Degree Programme at a Glance
This advanced (master's) field of study deepens knowledge from the undergraduate program and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics, such as painting, sculpture, or design. Additionally, there are master's programs that cover a broad spectrum of Fine Arts. This course of study leads to a second university degree. Fine Arts is also available as a teacher training program.
▶ Degree Programme Titles
Examples: Art in Context (Master), Fine Art (Artistic Concepts) (Master), Fine Arts (Master), Free Art (Ceramics and Glass) (Master), Free Art (Master), Free Art (Master Class Examination), Body, Theory and Poetics of the Performative (Master), Public Art/Public Design (Master).
▶ Possible Fields of Activity
For master's graduates in Fine Arts, various fields of activity are available, such as sculpture, painting, artistic drawing in the private sector, or teaching at universities. Those aiming for an academic career at a university usually need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.
▶ Development of the Field of Study
In the 17th century, the first academies for Fine Arts were founded in German-speaking areas. The 19th century saw the further development from academically formalized teaching to the unfolding of individual artistic expression. In the 20th century, the field of study expanded to include media such as photography and digital art forms, and was subdivided into painting, sculpture, and graphics. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, a reform of the European higher education landscape with goals including the creation of a unified European higher education area, harmonization of study programs and degrees (introduction of Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improved mobility for students and lecturers.
▶ Qualification / Job Titles
Degrees in this field vary by study program, including Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.). Additionally, there is a degree called Meisterklassenexamen (Master Class Examination).
▶ Pay During the Degree
No remuneration is received during the Studium (university studies). Compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases or internships.
▶ Legal Regulations for the Degree
Legal regulations for the Studium are determined at the federal level by the Hochschulrahmengesetz (HRG - Higher Education Framework Act) and by inter-state structural guidelines. At the state (Bundesland) level, Hochschulgesetze (Higher Education Acts) and related administrative regulations, for example, regarding the accreditation of study programs, apply. At the university level, the university's own statutes and the Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen (Study and Examination Regulations) for the respective study programs are applicable.
▶ Admission Requirements for the Degree
The prerequisite for the Studium is a first professional university degree (Hochschulabschluss); usually, an undergraduate Studium in Fine Arts is required. For advanced study programs, at least 1 year of professional experience is necessary. Depending on the university, an internal selection process takes place, for example, through the evaluation of portfolios with artistic work samples.
Source: BERUFENET · Bundesagentur für Arbeit
Frequently Asked Questions about Bildende Künste (weiterführend)
Education path, salary, recognition, and entry routes for foreigners
What does a Bildende Künste (weiterführend) do in Germany? ▼
In Germany, the profession "Bildende Künste (weiterführend)" refers to a vocational training path that trains professionals specialized in the field of visual arts. Professionals in this field contribute to cultural life by producing aesthetic and artistic values. Those who practice this profession can create original works in various disciplines such as painting, sculpture, graphic arts, digital arts, installation, or performance art; they can also undertake tasks such as the restoration of artworks, exhibition organization, art education, or artistic consultancy. While their working environments can typically be their own studios, art galleries, museums, cultural centers, theaters, or educational institutions, they work with traditional art materials (paint, clay, ah
Is Bildende Künste (weiterführend) an Ausbildung or a degree path? ▼
In Germany, "Bildende Künste (weiterführend)" follows a Weiterbildung path — advanced specialisation that builds on an existing Ausbildung or degree (e.g. Meister, Fachwirt, certified course).
How can I qualify as Bildende Künste (weiterführend) in Germany? ▼
In Germany, "Bildende Künste (weiterführend)" follows a Weiterbildung path — advanced specialisation that builds on an existing Ausbildung or degree (e.g. Meister, Fachwirt, certified course). Foreign applicants should additionally verify diploma recognition via anabin.kmk.org before applying.
Where do Bildende Künste (weiterführend) typically work in Germany? ▼
Workplace varies by employer. Check the official BERUFENET listing for the current breakdown of typical work environments for Bildende Künste (weiterführend).
What is the typical salary for Bildende Künste (weiterführend) in Germany? ▼
Salaries vary by region, employer size, and experience. Consult BERUFENET for current figures, or salary aggregators like gehalt.de and stepstone.de Gehaltsreport.