BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
The extent of the Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts is 210 credits and it takes 3.5 years to complete. The new degree regulation that entered into force on 1 August 2005 applies to those students who begin their studies in autumn 2005 and to those who make the transition to the new system. Basic studies
Basic Studies
Basic studies include, among other things, courses in the basics of artistic work provided in the autumn of the first year (total 20 cr). First year studies include the course Fundamentals of Art History (10 cr) and orientation studies (2 cr). In addition to these, basic studies also include 8 credits worth of ICT studies, some of which can also be completed after the first year.
First year studies consist in part of basic studies that are common to all students, in part of studies in the personal study programme (PSP). First-year students move on to their chosen subject department at the beginning of the spring term. After that students take compulsory subject studies in the degree programme of their choice, at their own department, as well as other subject studies either at their own department or in other departments as set out in the PSP.
The basic studies for each year are listed in the annually published COURSE CATALOGUE and the electronic course calendar, KOPSU.
Language Studies
Language studies comprise a minimum of 8 credit points (6 old units):
second domestic language (Finnish/Swedish), oral and written use 3 cr (2 units)
foreign language, oral use and text comprehension 2+3 cr (2+2 units)
Information about language studies can be found in the COURSE CATALOGUE and in KOPSU under the curriculum of the Department of General Studies. Language studies can be taken at one's own pace.
Sample schedule for language studies:
English written use in 1st year autumn term
Oral and written use of Swedish in 1st year spring
English oral use during the 2nd year
Note that only one set of courses is generally organised during the academic year for each study module. Spoken English courses are organised in both autumn and spring if necessary. A proficiency test is held before the course. Students can take the test twice. Students who fail to pass the proficiency test on either try must take the course. The system of flexible study right (JOO) also offers an opportunity to take courses organised by the Language Centre of the University of Helsinki, or (if there is room, also on) courses organised by the University of Art and Design Helsinki. For more information, see the section on JOO studies.
Exemptions from the language requirements may be granted for special reasons. For more detailed information, contact the Study Affairs Officer.
Degree studies include a total of 162 credit points worth of subject studies. These include required main subject studies, studio work, required theory studies and a Bachelor thesis as set out in the new degree regulation. For the requirements according to the old system, see table at the back of the book.
Major subject required courses
Required major subject studies, 45 cr, are completed in the subject departments according to requirements set by each department. Required studies are identified as such in the Prospectus in the curricula for the degree programmes.
Studio work
The required major subject studies must include at least 30 cr of independent studio work.
Required theoretical studies
Required theoretical studies comprise a minimum of 17 credits. They include: introduction to the history of contemporary art (5 cr), philosophy (2 cr), studies on the artist's role in society (2 cr) and writing studies (2 cr). In addition to these, students must choose 6 credits worth of other theoretical studies suited to their personal study programme. Theoretical studies can be completed as courses or as book exams or essay writing. Set books are presented in the Prospectus under the programme of the Department of General Studies.
Bachelor thesis
Under the new degree system, students taking the Bachelor's degree must complete a thesis valued at 10 credits.
Elective subject studies
Elective subject studies (60 cr) are chosen according to the student's personal study programme. Elective subject studies can consist of independent artistic work, courses and workshops suited to the PSP (these can be selected from all departments), theoretical studies and writing studies, ICT studies and studies undertaken in other universities or academies. NOTE! No more than 8 credits worth of studies not directly related to the degree can be accepted. Such studies include extra languages, for example. For more information, ask the Study Affairs Officer.
Maturity test
The Bachelor's maturity test must be taken prior to graduation as BFA. The maturity test is an essay written on a subject related to the student's degree programme, demonstrating proficiency in his/her native language.