Self-test: Is the "Visual Artist HF" course (formerly "Visual Artist HF") suitable for me?
Are you toying with the idea of continuing your education at a higher technical college in the field of "Fine Arts" and obtaining the HF diploma and the protected title "Dipl. Bildender Künstler HF / dipl. Bildende Künstlerin HF"?
Take the test now and find out whether you are on the right path with this Fine Arts degree course.
Benefit from further information that is tailored to the respective answer options "Yes", "Partly", "No". The result at the end of the self-test will also provide you with an overview of suitable providers for the HF course. You will also benefit from helpful tips on finding the right school.
Note:
Since November 2022, the fine arts course has been called "Fine Artist HF". Previously it was called "Designer HF Fine Arts" and was originally offered and carried out under the title "Designer HF Fine Arts (specialization in Fine Arts)".
Visual artist HF (formerly designer HF visual arts): What does everyday working life look like?
Visual artists create works of art that are visually, emotionally and/or intellectually appealing, for example drawings, paintings, sculptures, pictures, videos, performances or installations.
Visual artists are self-employed or employed. They work alone or as part of a collective in a studio/office and/or outdoors. Their day-to-day work takes the form of a variety of commissions, for example for public or private institutions, organizations and events, but also in the form of projects on their own initiative. In some cases, they also work temporarily on film and video productions or stage sets.
They spend a lot of time developing creative ideas. To do this, they engage intensively with themselves, culture and society. Once they have an idea, they select the appropriate technique (sculpture, painting, video, etc.) and check the feasibility of the project; this also includes calculating the costs, for example for the materials required (paints, clay, brushes, canvases, software, etc.). The project is then realized in the studio.
To this end, they are in close contact with other artists, curators, gallery owners, art critics, collectors, art mediators and technicians.
In addition to networking, visual artists are also responsible for self-promotion (marketing). They create their own website and online portfolio, take part in competitions, exhibitions and trade fairs and are active on social media. Finally, they are responsible for the entire administration and finances.
In order to finance their work, they often have to make use of public and/or private funding. They also often take on a second job to make ends meet, for example as a teacher or as an employee in the entertainment, arts and culture sector.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a visual artist HF (formerly designer HF visual arts)?
Great! Then you are in the right place with the "Visual Artist HF" course at a higher technical college with a federally recognized HF diploma. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your HF degree, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
So you don't like all activities. Think about which ones interest you the most and which ones don't. Remember: in practically every job, there are activities that are less interesting. It is important to make sure that these do not predominate.
If you don't really see yourself in it, you could also take a look at related courses in the field of design/art. You can find an overview here:
If you don't like these activities at all, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch. For example here:
Are you still looking for your vocation? Then it's worth taking a look at ourGuide "Finding your own calling"to throw.
Target group, personal characteristics and skills: Who is the HF course "Visual artist HF" (formerly designer HF visual arts) suitable for?
Are you passionately creative? Are you fascinated by the different ways (e.g. sculpture, building, painting, photography, performance, installation) of expressing your creativity artistically? Do you want to inspire people to feel and think with your work? Are you open and interested in new design techniques and technologies? Do you like being your own boss and appreciate the freedom - but are you also aware of the great responsibility and risks involved? Are you also a team player and able to develop and execute projects as part of a collective? Are you self-confident, think ahead and can therefore keep a clear head even in difficult times, for example when the financial pressure is very high because public and private funding may not materialize?
If you were able to answer the majority of these questions with "Yes", then you most likely belong to the target group of the HF degree program "Visual Artist HF" (formerly Designer HF Visual Arts).
The Fine Arts degree program is aimed at people, preferably from the artistic and creative field, who are interested in training that will not only increase their career and salary prospects, but also open doors to further education and training opportunities at the next level.
(Prospective) visual artists should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Craftsmanship
- Creative talent
- Creativity
- A good sense of proportion
- Sense for colors, shapes and aesthetics
- Spatial imagination
- Organizational skills
- Stamina
- Sense of responsibility
- Reliability
- Ability to work in a team
- Social competence
- Good communication skills
- Self-confidence
- Independence
- Willingness to work irregular hours
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this fine arts course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements to be able to start the "Visual Artist HF" course (formerly known as Designer HF Visual Arts).
- If you have the feeling that you do not belong to the target group for the "Visual Artist HF" course, the question arises as to which points make you skeptical. Are you worried that you won't be creative enough? Do you not want to be self-employed? Are you uncomfortable with periods of financial uncertainty? Here are some comments on this:
- You will find out early enough through the admissions process whether your creativity is sufficient to complete the HF course. Also remember: creativity is an area that is hardly really suitable for scaling. So don't compare yourself with others, but go your own way.
- You don't necessarily have to work independently, there are many projects that are carried out collectively. Can you also join a permanent collective?
- In the cultural and arts sector, financial uncertainties are unfortunately part of everyday life. However, this should not deter you from pursuing your passion/vocation. Just make sure you make provisions and plan well so that you can cope well with any financial crises.
- If you are interested in the subject but do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, it will be difficult. You are unlikely to be able to meet the requirements of the job, which will sooner or later affect your motivation and enjoyment of the job as well as your performance. Perhaps you can use your skills in another area of the arts/cultural sector? Keep an eye out for other further training opportunities that offer a professional specialization or specialization that better suits your skills. You can find inspiration here:Designer,Art.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to a fine arts course at a higher technical college:
In order to be admitted to the course "Visual Artist HF" (formerly Designer HF Visual Arts), you must generally* meet the following admission requirements.
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) in a relevant profession, for example photographer EFZ, graphic designer EFZ, florist EFZ, ceramist EFZ, carpenter EFZ. A list of the relevant EFZs can be found in the framework curriculum, whichherecan be called up.
Or
- Federal certificate of proficiency in another profession or other qualification at upper secondary level (technical or grammar school leaving certificate, technical secondary school certificate or equivalent qualification).
And
- Passed aptitude test / entrance examination (the exact nature and procedure of this is decided independently by the schools; there may therefore be differences. In most cases, an application dossier with CV and letter of motivation must be submitted in advance, followed by a personal interview and aptitude test).
- 50% employment in the department (for part-time studies). In the full-time course, work experience or the transfer from specialist training to practice is regulated via internships integrated into the course.
In addition:
- Professional experience in the design field is an advantage.
- Pre-course in design is recommended depending on the school. You can find an overview of suitable courses and providers in the answers.
- Depending on this, educational achievements that have already been completed may be credited; please contact the school of your choice straight away.
* The universities of applied sciences (HF) decide independently on the admission procedure. There may therefore be differences between the providers. The admission procedure is set out in the study regulations of the respective HF. It must comply with the relevant legal requirements. More information on this can be found in the answers.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then you can start the admission procedure for the HF degree course in "Visual Artist HF" (formerly known as Designer HF Visual Arts) with a federally recognized HF diploma.
On this page you will find an overview of schools that offer preliminary design courses: https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/gestalterischer-vorkurs-info.aspx
Courses at universities of applied sciences (HF):
The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula that have been jointly developed by education providers and industry associations (they are the sponsors of the framework curriculum) and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the universities of applied sciences adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their HF courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you have a foreign qualification, please contact SERI, which is responsible for checking the equivalence of foreign qualifications.Hereyou will receive helpful information.
- If you would like to/must complete a preliminary design course, then take a look atfollowing page. You will find suitable educational offers and schools here.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the fine arts degree program at a university of applied sciences (HF), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no relevant professional experience, you have the following options:
- You can use professional job boards to search for suitable job offers where you can gain the necessary experience. You can find out how best to proceed herehere.
- Do you know someone in your private or professional environment who works in the field of radiology? Then you could ask him/her for tips, perhaps he/she would also be willing to support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Courses at universities of applied sciences (HF):
The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you have a foreign qualification, please contact SERI, which is responsible for checking the equivalence of foreign qualifications.Hereyou will receive helpful information.
- If you would like to/must complete a preliminary design course, then take a look atfollowing page. You will find suitable educational offers and schools here.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the fine arts degree program at a university of applied sciences (HF), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no relevant professional experience, you have the following options:
- You can use professional job boards to search for suitable job offers where you can gain the necessary experience. You can find out how best to proceed herehere.
- Do you know someone in your private or professional environment who works in the field of radiology? Then you could ask him/her for tips, perhaps he/she would also be willing to support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Courses at universities of applied sciences (HF):
The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
Subject matter and content of the training
The following learning content and topics are covered in a "Visual Artist HF" course (formerly "Designer HF Visual Arts") at a university of applied sciences:
- Contemporary culture
- Art history
- Culture and society
- Camera and light
- Drawing
- Digital and screen printing
- Working with 3D
- Image editing programs (Photoshop etc.)
- Marketing and communication
This is not a complete list*.
* Although the universities of applied sciences follow the "Fine Arts" framework curriculum when designing their fine arts training courses, they have a certain amount of leeway when designing their continuing education programs. Which learning content is ultimately covered or how it is structured and deepened can therefore vary from HF to HF. Behind the framework curriculum is a sponsoring body, which is responsible for its creation and also periodically checks it for topicality and quality. The sponsoring body is made up of the organizations of the world of work (OdA), theVisarte Switzerlandandswissceramicsas well as the representatives of the education providers, namely the Directors' Conference of Swiss Design Schools and Swiss Design Schools.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! An interest in the subject is the best prerequisite for successfully completing further training to become a qualified visual artist HF.
You can look forward to exciting and informative hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
Are there just a few subjects or topics that you don't find so exciting and could do without? Don't worry about it, most people feel the same way. Perhaps you could form a study group with other people from your class? It is usually easier to learn together in a group, as you can motivate each other and master even boring and/or difficult subjects.
However, if you cannot identify with many topics or even an entire learning area, you should attend an information event on fine arts education and clarify your questions with the school management. Find out what is really taught and how deeply you need to familiarize yourself with the subject matter.
If the course content really doesn't match your interests, you should take a look at related courses in the field of design/art. You can find an overview here:
If you struggle with many of these subjects, this may not be the right course for you. Take a look at other further education courses or attend an information event on the HF course "Visual Artist HF" (formerly known as Designer HF Visual Arts) and clarify whether these subjects are really right for you.
Costs and financing of further training
For the 2-3-year part-time or full-time course "Visual Artist HF" (formerly known as Designer HF Visual Arts), you should expect to pay the following costs:
- Tuition fees:The semester fee depends on the school and your place of residence/canton. Students residing in the canton where they are studying can expect to pay an average of around CHF 7,000 per semester*.
- Other extra costs:At some schools, you will have to expect additional costs for the fine arts course, for example for books, teaching materials, external study days, workshops and/or the thesis. The school of your choice will be happy to provide you with detailed information.
* Courses at universities of applied sciences are financially supported (subsidized) by the cantons. Students from outside the canton pay higher tuition fees. The following requirements apply in order to receive cantonal subsidies:
- at least two years of residence in the canton
- The course is listed on the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) list of eligible courses (you will find the link to the list in the answer texts).
The cantonal subsidies are usually regulated by the school; these subsidies are usually already included in the tuition fees stated by the schools.
Question 5:
Are you able to finance around CHF 28,000 to CHF 42,000 for your fine arts education?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount for the fine arts course at a higher technical college in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount if you pay in full in advance. Some schools also offer a special price if you book very early.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
Ask the schools first about the actual costs (including extra costs) and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of the "Visual artist HF" (formerly designer HF visual arts) course.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
First ask the schools about the actual costs for the HF course "Visual artist HF" (formerly known as designer HF visual arts) and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
Duration of study, number of learning hours, forms of learning, teaching times, teaching format and learning effort
- Duration of study:The fine arts course at a higher technical college can be completed both part-time and full-time; it takes 3 years part-time and 2 years full-time.
- Number of learning hours:The training course comprises 5400 learning hours without a relevant EFZ and 3600 learning hours with a relevant federal certificate of proficiency.
- Forms of learning:The learning hours are divided between "contact studies" (including traditional classroom teaching, studio), "guided self-study" (including exercises, research assignments, reading assignments), "individual self-study" (including preparation and follow-up work, independent studio work), practical work (50% professional activity in part-time studies), internships (for full-time studies) and the qualification procedure (QV) (including semester examinations, diploma theses)
- Lesson times:The teaching times for the "Visual Artist HF" course (formerly "Designer HF Visual Arts") are determined independently by the schools; they can therefore vary from school to school. In a part-time course, lessons usually take place on a full working day or two evenings per week, sometimes also on Saturdays. In full-time studies, classes are usually held daily.
- Teaching format:Classes are usually held on site.
- Learning effort:You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons"/"trial lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. Take advantage of this opportunity and contact the school of your choice directly.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
Perhaps you could also get together with other course participants from the class to form a learning group? The exchange with like-minded people and the commitment to meet at a fixed time to learn together can be very motivating.
If you are not able to devote as much time to the full-time course to become a qualified visual artist HF, please contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than six semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
There are various performance assessments during the Fine Arts degree course. The exact nature of these is decided independently by the respective university of applied sciences (HF). For example, semester or interim examinations can be carried out or independent work must be written and presented, which is then graded. The grades for these qualification achievements are then incorporated directly into the final grades.
If you meet all the previous qualifications, you will be admitted to the final QV. This consists of a practice-oriented diploma thesis and oral or written examinations.
The details of implementation are regulated by the respective HF in its study regulations.
Diploma and title
Graduates of fine arts training at a university of applied sciences receive an HF diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title "dipl. Bildende Künstlerin HF / dipl. Bildender Künstler HF".
In French: "Designer diplômée ES en arts visuels / Designer diplômé ES en arts visuels"
In Italian: "Designer dipl. SSS in arti visive / Designer dipl. SSS in arti visive"
The recommended translation in English is as follows: "Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Fine Arts". This is not a protected title.
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to complete the higher technical college for the federally recognized HF diploma "Visual Artist HF" (formerly designer HF visual arts)?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to the new qualification as a "dipl. Bildende Künstlerin / dipl. Bildender Künstler HF":
- Regular class attendance
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active class participation
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Learning group participation for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you contact aInformation eventto attend this course for "Dipl. Bildende Künstlerin HF / dipl. Bildender Künstler HF".
Arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management aboutSupport options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
You can find suitable offers here:
Do you suffer from exam anxiety and is this possibly the reason for your insecurity? Here, too, you can get appropriate support to learn suitable techniques and also experience the positive sides of exam anxiety. You can find suitable providershere.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular class attendance
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active class participation
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Learning group participation for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident of passing the final examination, but would like to complete the fine arts course, it is best to arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith a school. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask at the school of your choice whether there areSupport optionsfor you.
You should also consider whether you mightOther supportfor example by learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training or by learning appropriate mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which are helpful, for example, in the event of exam anxiety. You can find suitable offers here:
No, training in fine arts at a higher technical college doesn't suit you. What a pity? - Maybe not, because there are so many other options for further education. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Visual artist HF" (formerly designer HF visual arts) with HF diploma is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a qualified visual artist HF does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Studying fine arts at a university of applied sciences (HF) is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Fine arts training for "Fine artist HF" (formerly designer HF fine arts)"
How do I find the school that suits me?
You can find helpful information and tips in ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider". You benefit from a helpful checklist with the most important points to be clarified, so you can keep an overview.
Also take a look at ourRating tool with numerous ratingsfrom former participants of various courses. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the reviews that interest you.
This HF course "Visual Artist HF" seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Fine arts training for "Fine artist HF" (formerly designer HF fine arts)"
How do I find the school that suits me?
You can find helpful information and tips in ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider". You benefit from a helpful checklist with the most important points to be clarified, so you can keep an overview.
Also take a look at ourRating tool with numerous ratingsfrom former participants of various courses. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the reviews that interest you.
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Fine arts training for "Fine artist HF" (formerly designer HF fine arts)"
How do I find the school that suits me?
You can find helpful information and tips in ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider". You benefit from a helpful checklist with the most important points to be clarified, so you can keep an overview.
Also take a look at ourRating tool with numerous ratingsfrom former participants of various courses. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the reviews that interest you.
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin