Entry Requirements

1.       Academic Records

Official or certified/attested copies (plus official or certified/attested English translations, where necessary) of High School Leaving Certificate and Grade Report / Mark Sheet, or equivalent qualification with a minimum of 15 out of 20, or 7.5 out of 10 or 75 out of 100

2.       English Language Proficiency

Computer Based TOEFL 71, IELTS of 5 or above, PTE 68, Password skills 5.5, GCSE or IGCSE level in English with a minimum grade of ‘C’, or the Freshart English Placement Test

3.       Other Qualifications

Any other official or certified certificates or examination results

4.       Portfolio and Interview (see guidelines below)

         – Portfolio Guidelines 

Applicants to the Fine Art Diploma are required to submit a portfolio of creative work that demonstrates their artistic potential, interests, and engagement with visual practice. The portfolio enables the College to assess the applicant’s creativity, visual awareness, and readiness to develop within a structured art programme. Applicants are encouraged to include approximately 8–15 pieces of work, which may consist of drawings, paintings, sketchbook pages, mixed media, photography, or digital work, where appropriate.

The portfolio should reflect creativity and originality, as well as a willingness to explore ideas, experiment with materials, and engage with artistic processes. While some level of technical ability is expected, this should be appropriate to the applicant’s level of experience, and emphasis is placed on potential rather than perfection. Developmental work, such as sketchbooks or work in progress, is strongly encouraged as it demonstrates the thinking and process behind the work.

Portfolios may be submitted either physically or digitally. Digital submissions should be clearly organized, include good-quality images, and be properly labelled where possible.

         – Interview Guidelines for Applicants

All applicants are invited to attend an informal interview as part of the admissions process. The purpose of the interview is to provide an opportunity for discussion of the applicant’s portfolio, to explore their interests in art and design, and to assess their motivation and readiness to engage with the programme. The interview also allows the College to better understand the applicant’s creative potential and commitment to developing their artistic practice.

During the interview, applicants will be encouraged to discuss their submitted work, including the ideas, themes, and processes involved in its creation, as well as how their work has developed over time. They may also be asked to talk about their interests in art, including any artists, styles, or media that influence them, and the areas they would like to explore further. In addition, the interview may address the applicant’s reasons for applying to the programme and their willingness to participate actively in studio-based learning.

The interview is conducted in a supportive and informal manner and is not intended as a test. There are no correct or incorrect answers, and the emphasis is placed on the applicant’s enthusiasm, openness to learning, and potential for growth rather than on prior achievement or technical perfection.

Recognition of studies and Credit transfer

Credits earned at other accredited colleges and universities or in accredited programmes are transferable to Freshart College. A transcript is required. Course descriptions, syllabi and textbooks used may be required to determine the subject covered. Courses are normally evaluated individually. In some cases, validation may be required in the form of oral or written examination, transfer credits may be provisional, and students may be placed on probation.

The College applies the principles of the Lisbon Recognition Convention where appropriate, ensuring fair, transparent, and timely recognition of qualifications and periods of study, unless substantial differences can be demonstrated.

For the evaluation of foreign qualifications, the College makes use of guidance and information provided by the national ENIC/NARIC centre and other recognised international reference sources, where appropriate.

Freshart College fully recognizes credits and learning outcomes achieved through Erasmus+ mobility activities, in accordance with the principles of the Lisbon Recognition Convention activities. Recognition is based primarily on the level of study and outcomes, rather than on formal equivalence of course titles or contact hours. Upon completion of the mobility period, students are required to submit an official Transcript of Records issued by the host institution.

The Registrar carries out this evaluation in consultation with the Programme Coordinators and the Academic Director

Introduction to Visual Arts (FA101). Students will learn key movements and techniques used for traditional and contemporary creations. Introduction to analytical approaches and theoretical background related to the development of visual arts in the modern and contemporary framework. Students will develop critical thinking in relation to visual arts and concept. Essay submission.

History of Art (FA102). This unit invests historical and contemporary art concepts as well as art techniques and approaches. It analyses in depth the art history since Renaissance until the 20th century. Students will examine and explore art movements gaining a critical thinking through discussions, on the stylistic, aesthetic development of art and be aware of the socio-historical background. Essay (lectures/seminars) patchwork submission.

Fundamentals of Drawing (FA103). The unit presents drawing values and techniques from life: visual skills, manual skills, techniques of measurement and comparison, allowing students to make use of traditional and contemporary materials. It defines methods of visual research supporting critical thinking and the improvement of visual/observational skills. Part/ Combined with studio practice work.

Painting and Printmaking I (FA104). Introduction to painting and printmaking applying the required technical skills for further development. The unit provides technical knowledge and supports experimentation and risk-taking through the use of different media. Part/ Combined with studio practice work.

Figure Drawing (FA105). The unit is based to human form studies. Students will learn to draw a proper figure from different ways of measurement and drawing techniques. It develops awareness of anatomy, skin texture and proportions in order to create accurate results, based to their research and observational skills. Independent or Part/ Combined with studio practice work.

Figure and Movement (FA106). The unit develops understanding on the notions of the figure and movement within contemporary artistic practice. It explores the concept of screen movement with the development of an individual language through drawing and induct students to basic principles of experimental animation. Independent or Part/ Combined with studio practice work.

Photography I (FA107). The Unit’s purpose is to provide full understanding of manual camera technology and to demonstrate the knowledge through digital photographic technology practice. It explores own creativity, ideas and concepts in preferable field. Part/ Combined with studio practice work.

Process and Project Based Practice (FA108). At this Unit students will develop their own project brief, and they will understand the significance of experimental work in order to achieve an integrated outcome. The unit includes hand – making workshops and lectures. Combined with studio practice work.

Art Studio Practice (FA109). The Unit provides the appropriate art studio environment to students, in order to be able to work professionally as artists. It promotes problem solving techniques and encourage students to use appropriate skills for modifications and work development, beneficial to their creative practice.

Sculpture and Installation (FA110). The Unit Introduces students to sculptural theory and practice through lectures, seminars and a series of workshops. They learn the rules and regulations for constructing sculpture and installations. Independent or Part/ Combined with studio practice work.

Modern & Contemporary Art (FA201). The Unit Introduce to the students the central ideas of 20th century, art movements and artists. It introduces analytical approaches and theoretical background related to the development of visual arts in the modern and contemporary framework, developing students’ critical thinking. Essay submission.

Sculpture and Installation II (FA202). The Unit analyze sculptural modes and methods in existing work. Students will build up their sculptural skills through an experimental approach to the media and in line with contemporary practices, applying the best results to their overall practice. Independent or Part/ Combined with studio practice work.

Drawing II (FA203). Students will develop further drawing and observation skills. The unit aims to present and refine principles of colour theory as and to support extended experimentation with various of drawing media and techniques. Independent or Part/ Combined with studio practice work.

Painting and Printmaking II (FA204). Students will build up their painting and printmaking skills through an experimental approach to the media and in line with contemporary practices. Through practical projects and the selection of a thematic, students will learn to adapt best results to their work development. Part/ Combined with studio practice work.

Digital Imaging (FA205). Introduction to the way digital imaging is used for communication purposes. Students will research and experiment with certain materials and media to examine the significance and the value of digital image in graphic communication. Independent or Part/ Combined with studio practice work.

Illustration (FA206). Introduction to illustration importance as a creative tool of communication. Unit aims to the understanding of the purpose and use of illustration as a visual communication tool. It analyses the way that an illustration transforms and changes the meaning of an image. Independent or Part/ Combined with studio practice work.

Photography II (FA207). This course is designed to provide opportunities to students to expand and make use of skills and knowledge gained in Photography I. Students will develop further their critical understanding and analytical skills of the relationship between photography, other media and graphic practices, visual art skills and the role of the technology. Independent or Collaborated project.

Collaborative Art Practices (FA208). Student will be able to understand the significance of collaborative art practices within the contemporary arts and creative fields. They will have the opportunity to be part of a group project and explore different collaborative arts methodologies. Collaborated project.

Advance Art Studio Practice (FA209). Unit provide an appropriate art environment with certain equipment and studios for students to work professionally as artists. Students will have access to library and research facilities in order to be able to do intellectual multi-disciplined fine art investigational research based on their interests as artists. It encourage students to be more self-reflective with their work and introduce them to further methods of visual analysis. Independent studio practice work.

Applied Art Education (FA210). Introduction to multiple arts and education practices focusing on expertized artists, teachers, museum educators, community facilitators and state cultural offices. Students will have the opportunity to realize formal and non-formal aspects of arts education. Independent or Combined with studio practice work.

• To demonstrate an independent and reflective professional practice in art in a variety of media that is updated by the modern instructions and discussions of art.
• Display effective skills-based in practice in the fields of painting, sculpting and installations, photography, video art, digital arts, performance, animation and artistic education.
• To show a high level of knowledge of the historical, cultural and contemporary directions of fine art and be able to demonstrate this through classical analysis.
• Students critically evaluate their own practice of art and that of others through coherent verbal and written arguments.
• To create a general understanding of the mode of operation of the contemporary system of art and culture and know how to work the financing structures.
• To promote their own work in exhibitions and public areas, knowing different audience and promoting it by using new instruments according to the modern system of art and culture.
• The team work as part of a team to produce innovative results in a variety of professional contexts.
• To demonstrate the ideas, research and knowledge in visual, verbal, and written formats according to the academic rules and regulations.

Student performance is assessed through a combination of coursework, studio-based projects, collaborative projects, oral presentations, portfolio submissions and written assignments. Assessment methods are designed to evaluate both creative development and theoretical understanding.

In addition to tuition fees, students enrolled in the Fine Arts Diploma should anticipate certain additional costs related to materials, supplies, and study requirements. The following estimates are provided to support transparency and informed decision-making.

Art Materials (Core)

Students are required to purchase art materials, including paints, brushes, sketchbooks, and drawing tools.

Estimated annual cost: €200 – €300

Specialist Materials (Project-Based)

Depending on project choices, students may incur additional costs for materials such as clay, plaster, wood, canvases, or mixed media.

Estimated annual cost: €100 – €300

Printing and Presentation

Costs related to portfolio printing and final project presentation (e.g. mounting, boards, basic framing).

Estimated annual cost: €50 – €150

Software / Digital Tools

The required software is provided free of charge through the College’s computer facilities. Students who wish to install and use the software on their personal devices are responsible for obtaining the appropriate licenses.

Estimated annual cost: €0 – €200 (if applicable)

Additional Costs

Students may incur minor additional expenses for basic equipment (e.g. tools, storage devices) or educational visits (e.g. museums, exhibitions).

Estimated annual cost: €50 – €100

Important Note

The above costs are indicative and may vary depending on individual student choices, project requirements, and material preferences. The College provides studio facilities and basic equipment; however, students are responsible for their personal materials.

Progression rules

Students must successfully complete the required modules and accumulate the necessary ECTS credits in order to progress to the next semester and year of study, in accordance with the College’s academic regulations.

Graduation outcomes

Upon completion and graduation from their field of study, students should:

• Have successfully completed 120 European Credit Transfer units (ECTS) for their undergraduate studies towards a Diploma.
• Have completed the exam material;
• Have obtained the necessary ECTS from the core and elective courses;
• Have obtained a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.00 during the last two years;

The student must complete 240 ECTS and all programme requirements. A minimum cumulative grade point average (CPA) of 2.0 is required. Thus, although a ‘D-‘ is a PASS grade, in order to achieve a CPA of 2.0 an average grade of ‘C’ is required.

Students have the right to submit complaints or academic appeals in accordance with the College’s established procedures. Detailed information is available in the Student Handbook and relevant College policies.