Structure of the study plan

The Postgraduate Degree in Contemporary Applied Arts is an academic, professional qualification of 30 ECTS, awarded by the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB).

In our quest to revisit the role of applied arts in the 21st century, the contents of the study plan have been distributed in three compulsory theoretical modules and a specific workshop, to be chosen from Textile Art, Artistic Jewellery, and Fire Arts (Ceramics and Glass).

Direct instruction is scheduled for two afternoons a week during the first semester and three afternoons a week during the second semester.

1.1 History and theory of applied arts (5 ECTS)

Theoretical module that questions the hierarchical conception of art history and contextualizes the territories of art, design, and craftsmanship. This module reflects on aesthetic ideas and the cross-cutting dialectics between tradition and innovation in applied arts. We will also address the anthropological importance of the relationship between hand and reason.

1.2 Market ethics and eco-social responsibility of the applied arts (5 ECTS)

Theoretical module that develops an ethical approach to the concept of the market as well as to the core themes of each of the programme’s fields of study. The contents delve deep into the prototype as a tool for analysing the sustainability and eco-social responsibility of the projects, under a comprehensive view that takes into account the environmental impact.

1.3 Creativity in the applied arts: between the project and the process (5 ECTS)

This theoretical module focuses on  the intertwined mechanisms that link  personal and group creativities from a multidisciplinary perspective by reviewing the notions of project and process to foster the birth of new methodologies. 

Through a synthesis of  material and technical research, participants will be ready to present their discursive positioning to project themselves as creators.

2 Specialty  workshop

These workshops provide a space for research and materialization, a space that promotes the synthesis between the author and the environment. 15 ECTS must be completed, choosing one of the three specific fields.

2.1 Artistic Jewellery (15 ECTS)

Immersion workshop to learn about and understand  the framework of the languages ​​of contemporary artistic jewellery by incorporating procedures and materials used in other workshops. This workshop will allow the  participants to develop a coherent and necessary outcome.

Students will experiment with new materials and new technologies and, at the same time, experience  the poetics of traditional materials and their related  techniques.

2.2 Textile art (15 ECTS)

Immersion workshop to learn about and understand  the framework of the languages ​​of contemporary language of fabrics and textile art  by incorporating procedures and materials used in other workshops. This workshop will allow the participants to develop a coherent and necessary outcome.

Students will experiment with new materials and new technologies and, at the same time, experience  the poetics of traditional materials and their related  techniques. 

2.3 Fire arts (ceramics and glass) (15 ECTS)

Immersion workshop to learn about and understand  the framework of the languages ​​of contemporary language of ceramic and glass work   by incorporating procedures and materials used in other workshops. This workshop will allow the participants to develop a coherent and necessary outcome.

Students will experiment with new materials and new technologies and, at the same time, experience  the poetics of traditional materials and their related  techniques.