Study Guide

Descriptions

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE
The Turku University of Applied Sciences Arts Academy's multiform education in fine art leads to the degree of Bachelor of Culture and Arts. The multiform student is required to have the basic skills and knowledge of a visual or photographic artist and previous experience as a visual or photographic artist. The scope of the degree is 240 credits, of which 90 credits are completed during the studies (1.5 years), and 150 credits are replaced by previously acquired knowledge, previous training and work experience. The studies will be delivered in a blended learning format in accordance with a personalised curriculum. The course provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for the profession of visual artist or photographer, depending on the chosen specialisation.

The training emphasises the development of the student's own artistic expression, professional activities and work-life skills. The methods and techniques of fine art offer a wide range of possibilities for implementation, which the student can apply to his/her own artistic expression and to various work assignments. After completing the training, the graduates will be able to work and develop their own artistry in the field of art and in multidisciplinary cooperation. The fine art training takes into account the artist's responsibility for social and ecological sustainability.

The fine arts are visible and have an impact on society. The strategic guidelines of Turku University of Applied Sciences, the City of Turku and Southwest Finland emphasise the importance of the cultural sector as a driver of well-being, cooperation, competitiveness and attractiveness of the region. Art is part of a good life.

Fine art education has strong regional, national and international cooperation networks. The education implements the National Vision 2030 for fine art education and training, for example in promoting equality and multiculturalism in the arts and improving accessibility.

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF EDUCATION
The study of fine art is practical and collaborative. The studies include, for example, workshops on different methods and themes, artistic projects and practice of professional practices. The learning activities, which correspond to the job description of a visual artist, develop personal expression and teach a variety of contemporary art practices. Alongside practical work, you will practice observation and critical thinking in theoretical studies. In feedback discussions with the teachers, group viewings and seminars, students analyse and evaluate their learning and the development of their own artistic work.

The studies are divided into core and extended competences. Core competences include common language studies, the basics of art history and theory, professional practices and professional studies of your choice. Extended competences consist of own artistic work, optional studies and a thesis.

The fine art curriculum is flexible and allows for different learning pathways. For example, you can work with your tutor to build a personal learning plan (HOPS) that supports your own goals from a range of vocational studies. You can also choose to deepen your own orientation through the choice of elective courses.

Multiform studies in the fine art deepen your artistic work through practice. Theoretical and linguistic studies go hand in hand with practical processes. Students can choose from a range of optional studies (16 credits) in the fine arts, from other fields of study at the Turku University of Applied Sciences, as exchange studies in accordance with their personal learning plan, or as practical art projects, for example as part of research, development and innovation activities.

PATHWAYS, SPECIALISATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Training in the fine art includes specialisations in fine art and photography.

Fine art
Fine art studies allow students to immerse themselves in contemporary art through sculpture, painting or printmaking. You can also broaden your knowledge of the means of expression of photography and moving image, public art and current social issues. Professional identity is strengthened and deepened through art projects corresponding to the work of a visual artist.

Photography
Photography studies introduce students to the practice of photography and the technical and expressive possibilities of photography. The knowledge is extended to other means of expression in contemporary art, public art and current social themes. Professional identity is strengthened and deepened through art projects corresponding to photographic work.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates can work as independent artists and experts in their field or in a wide range of professional fields in photography.

EXAMPLES OF JOB TITLES
26510 Painter
26512 Graphic artist
26513 Sculptor
26519 Other visual artist
34310 Portrait photographer
34311 Advertising photographer
34312 Magazine photographer
34319 Other photographer
X0110 Entrepreneur

FURTHER STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
The Bachelor of Culture and Arts degree gives eligibility to apply for suitable master degrees at Finnish and international universities and colleges.

Objective

The aim of the fine arts education is that graduates are able to work professionally in the field of art and to present the results of their work in public. They are familiar with contemporary art phenomena and art history and recognise the relationships between different artistic trends and phenomena. They are able to examine their own artistic activity in relation to the tradition of art and are familiar with the practices of the art world at regional, national and international level. The graduate will have a documentary, investigative and developmental approach to artistic work.

The graduate will be able to use fine art techniques and media in an appropriate way and to develop their technical, expressive and theoretical skills. At the same time, they recognise their own skills and the potential for multidisciplinary cooperation. During the studies, group and interaction skills are practised, as well as the well-being skills of the visual artist.

In fine art studies, students are encouraged to make independent artistic choices and develop the ability to evaluate and analyse their own and others' artistic activities. Graduates in fine art will understand how the profession works and how it can be developed in a changing society. In their artistic work, they take into account issues of a sustainable future, holistic thinking and their own proactive approach to development. Graduates will be able to apply their skills and communicate them in different contexts.

Development

The emphasis in fine art teaching is on practical, workshop-based activities, where the practical skills and thinking of the visual artist are practised. The workshops in the professional subjects focus on contemporary art practices and modes of expression, as well as on the processes of art making. The workshop teaching is accompanied by theoretical studies in which the students' own artistic work is related to contemporary art practices and traditions. The curriculum is flexible and allows students to choose different pathways and opportunities to prepare for a career as a visual artist. In line with innovation pedagogy, pedagogical diversity is emphasised in the implementation of the courses. The studies include participation in public exhibitions in the school's gallery spaces or other venues.

The thesis, which will be carried out towards the end of the studies, will include a research component reflecting and explaining the artistic work and an independent artistic work. In the thesis seminars, students present their artistic work, its starting points, implementation and results.

In research, development and innovation (RDI) projects and other collaborative projects, students work together with working life. Partners include local art museums, artists' associations and various companies and communities. These partnerships may include exhibitions, art events, workshops, public art or art-related products, events or services. Optional courses allow students to deepen their knowledge of fine art projects and to extend their knowledge to other professional fields.

In addition to national projects, projects with international partners are also available. In addition, international contacts can be made in KUNO network workshops or during longer student exchanges.

Further information

Evaluation of your own work and learning is an ongoing and holistic process. During the course, learning is assessed in a variety of ways, for example through feedback discussions, exercises, essays, reports, analyses or examinations. Through feedback discussions and peer assessment, students will develop their ability to evaluate and develop their own performance. The assessment will focus on competence and development in line with the objectives of the course. Assessment is dialogical and is built up through discussions between the student, the teachers and the group. External experts may also be involved in the assessment.

Fine art teaching and learning processes are developed in dialogue with students and teachers, for example through course feedback and annual student feedback days. National and international networks of representatives of the professional sector, partners and trainers in fine art education are used to develop, for example, future competence objectives and operating environments.