The two-year foundation course provides an entry point into the following degree programmes: Book Art/Graphic Design, Photography, Media Art and Painting. It lays the groundwork for reflective and independent artistic and design practices, enabling students to refine their interests, broaden their perspectives and formulate their own questions.
The programme focuses on learning diverse working methods and critically engaging with images, media and context, as well as experimenting with analogue and digital design possibilities. Techniques are not taught in isolation, but as part of an open, interdisciplinary practice. For this purpose, the HGB offers excellently equipped workshops, labs, and studios ranging from classical printing techniques and photography to audiovisual media and 3D and object design.
The foundation course combines hands-on skills and artistic practice with critical thinking. Theory and practice are closely interwoven: media and design theory, art history, philosophy and societal issues accompany the practical work, inspiring questioning and further reflection. Here, art and design are understood as cultural, social and political practices.
Study takes place both individually and collaboratively, in an open, process-oriented and often cross-disciplinary manner. Interdisciplinary workshop and lab courses complement the subject-specific foundations of each programme. Curiosity, a critical perspective and a willingness to collaborate are essential for working together.
The foundation course concludes with the Module 1 examination and forms the basis for further study within the specialized classes of the main programme.