13 Nov 2015

Art&Science master's programme // Entrance exam

A r t  &  S c i e n c e  m a s t e r ' s  d e g r e e   p r o g r a m m e 

The objective of the Art & Science master's degree programme is to investigate the relationships between different artistic and scientific representational cultures and their respective cognitive and research methods. An inter- and transdisciplinary approach and project-oriented education should stimulate interaction between model and theory construction, and the application of methods, particularly in the arts and sciences.

The central element of the master's programme is a project orientation, which has in mind that in a 'scientificised' world many everyday topics in society are permeated by scientific knowledge, and that this can lead to controversial discussions. In part, these discussions link complex fields of knowledge and their respective specialised knowledge, and represent different contributions to the development of our society. This is a point of convergence for the – quite often different – questions that art and science pose and a creative crossroad emerges for finding or rejecting answers.

This point of view involves the investigation (and the corresponding indepth study) of social and political processes, the relation, application, and development of artistic and scientific positions, methods, media, and organisations. Thus, it implies researching an oft-controversial societal thematic space, where the disciplinary, scientific-artistic ivory tower is infiltrated, where students locate and explore – and possibly generate themselves – more or less conspicuous socio-technical ruptures in our society. Prerequisite is a thirst for knowledge that leads to a representation, a creative restructuring of the respective themes, in which the respective application or interweaving of certain artistic or scientific methods or media represents the result, and not the departure point, of the research.

A d m i s s i o n

Admission requirements consist of a diploma or bachelor's degree, to domestic standards, in the fields of visual arts, media art, design, architecture, or natural, humanistic, cultural and computer sciences. The programme is taught in English and applicants should be competent in their communication. The admission procedure involves a portfolio evaluation, followed by an exam and an interview. The post graduate master's degree is over four semesters, with project based studies culminating in a major final work. Upon the successful completion of the program, students will receive a Master of Arts (MA). To be considered for participation in the admission exam it is necessary to submit a portfolio of artistic and/or scientific works. Candidates should focus on displaying an interest in transdisciplinarity, abilities to deal within techniques of analogue and digital media, and/or engagement in social systems surrounding art and science.

T h e  a p p l i c a t i o n  s h o u l d  i n c l u d e

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) and contact information (telephone, email).
• A letter of motivation conveying your interests with art and science, and how you see yourself approaching the course (your expectations from the study; motivations for wanting to be part of the course; a vision for your work following the completion of the degree).
• Portfolio showcasing a range of your relevant artistic and/or scientific works. (please also include a digital version and can also include group works where your level of involvement is clearly stated).

The admission exam includes written and practical elements, followed by a personal interview. The questions relate to the interconnectedness of art and science, and aesthetic-visual, conceptual and representational competences stemming from this relationship.

A p p l i c a t i o n  S c h e d u l e  2 0 1 5 / 2 0 1 6

Information meetings for prospective applicants
• November 10, 2015, 12:00 and
• February 16, 2016, 10:00

Application and submission of portfolio: February 22 and 23, 2016, 09:00–13:00

A d m i s s i o n  E x a m

Written and practical work: February 24 and 25, 2016, 10:00–16:00
Interviews: February 26, 2016, 10:00–14:00

Art & Science, University of Applied Arts Vienna
Expositur Hohenstaufengasse 9/9, 1010 Vienna, Austria


More information about the course and application procedure
Please contact Sonja Orman with any queries on sonja.orman@uni-ak.ac.at | +43 171133 2250

We look forward to receiving your applications