Bachelor's Degree
Admission to Cycle 1 at ArBA-EsA allows the student to be introduced to and acquire, over the course of three years, artistic, technical, and theoretical knowledge and skills in the chosen program, with the aim of progressively developing a personal body of work.
The school prepares and supports students toward their Bachelor's degree in the third year, equipping them with a working methodology, curiosity, and both theoretical and practical discoveries.
Cycle 1 engages students in an exploration and introduction to the techniques and theories of art and design, gradually making room for personal research. The school guides students so they can build their own academic and artistic path, in line with their discoveries and learning journey.
A series of general, cross-disciplinary courses are common to all programs—such as art history, philosophy, semiotics, literature, human and social sciences, cinema, and music history. In addition, a range of specific theoretical courses help deepen knowledge within the chosen field of study. Artistic courses further enrich each program.
Together, these theoretical courses provide a solid critical and theoretical foundation. They contribute to a deeper understanding of the artistic worlds and help students coherently, critically, and independently develop their skills within their artistic practice.
Visit the program pages to learn more about admission requirements, the pedagogical approach, and the curriculum specific to each program.
First Year (B1)
Aside from the main course in their chosen program, all students share a common curriculum in the first year. This is designed to provide a strong foundational base in artistic, technical, and theoretical knowledge.
Second Year (B2)
In the second year, the school continues to support students through shared courses in drawing and digital graphics, helping them to better understand the underlying issues behind visual creation. This is also a year in which students engage in thematic modules that enrich their practice through personal reflection on the world and contemporary issues. These modules are also part of the curriculum in the third year (B3).
Third Year (B3)
The third year is the final, degree-granting year. The school continues to guide students while encouraging increasing autonomy and self-direction. Students select an elective artistic course (CAC – Cours Artistique au Choix) that promotes cross-disciplinary approaches and exploration of various media and practices. This year is dedicated to helping students define and develop their personal project, which they will present to the diploma jury in June.