The primary the aim of the course is to help students to understand the differences and similarities between the various art & design disciplines. This course will also attempt to recognize how the various disciplines interact with each other especially within the context of contemporary society and the redefinition of art & design in general.
Program of study accredited by The Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA).
The qualification that is awarded after the successful completion of this program of study is the Diploma in Visual Arts. It is registered and accredited by the Ministry of Education and Culture in Cyprus.
The primary aim of the program is to help students understand the differences and similarities between the various art & design disciplines. The program will also attempt to recognise how the various disciplines interrelate and interact with each other especially within the context of the contemporary society and the redefinition of the visual arts in general. This is also the major objective of the first semester, which is achieved through the introduction to the various specialisations of the visual arts (fine and applied arts).
Specifically, the introduction to the fine arts includes mainly the specialisations of painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics, digital art and the multidimensional approach to fine arts. Respectively the introduction to the applied arts includes interior design, fashion design, textile design, graphic design and illustration, jewellery design, stage and costume design and animation.
History of art and theories, life drawing and business studies are an integrated part of both years of the program.
Once the students manage to distinguish, understand and comprehend all that is involved in each of the above specialisations in the visual arts, the aim then would be to consciously select the specific pathway they wish to specialise in during the second year of the course. Through studio-based learning, which is the most efficient art and design teaching method, students develop their skills, their ability to research, experiment and generate creative ideas and results. They can develop and express their visions, through a multidimensional approach to art and design. They experiment with ideas and products such as images, objects and techniques. Their development is ongoing throughout the two years of the course and the teaching is continuous and personalised.
The teaching methodology is interactive with a student-centred approach where students are invited to develop skills and acquire knowledge through research, visual presentations and discussions. This will enable students to gain experience in creative development and experimentation in response to a given brief.
Discussion is encouraged throughout all courses. At the end of each semester, students will present the process and development of their artistic proposals, which will include sketches, photos, and generally the whole process of the experimentation, the design and the production of the outcomes.
Students have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills through elective and compulsory courses including:
Continuous assessment throughout each course, end of semester evaluation, and evaluation at the end of the entire program of study, written and / or verbal, evaluation through presentations, tutorials and discus- sions. Aigaia School of Art teaching is primarily based on a practical and studio-based learning methodology.
Being as such, at the end of semester assessments for the practical courses, students are not graded but evaluated against specific assessment criteria applicable to each course. All criteria must be fully fulfilled otherwise the students are referred for resubmission.
The Final Major project at the end of semester 4 is graded: For the assessment of the final major project and hence for the successful completion of the program of study at the end of the 2nd year (or at the end of the 4th semester), students are graded with Pass, Merit or Distinction. Only the theoretical courses are graded at semesters 1,2 & 3.
All students are required to attend all evaluations/ assessments.
All credits achieved are equivalent to ECTS. For the successful completion of the two-year course, each student needs to achieve 120 ECTS.
For the registration students have to present the following:
• Completion and submission of the application form including a signed declaration by parents or any other person responsible for the payment of the student’s tuition fees.
• Certified copy of secondary education certificate (Lyceum or equivalent institution)
• Birth certificate
• Payment of the appropriate registration fee.
Students are offered a place after the examination of their application and presentation of their portfolio of artwork.
• Each candidate must be a graduate from secondary education or a graduate of an equivalent educational institution. They should be able to present their portfolio in a personal interview that demonstrates the inclination, interest and experience in the areas of fine and/or applied arts. This is the main and most important admission requirement. This is also for deter- mining the level of each prospective student.
• All candidates are evaluated separately by the Admissions Committee where a decision is made.
• Success in IGCSE, IELTS or TOEFL English language examinations, is a prerequisite for admission of students to courses taught in English. For studying courses taught in Greek, by foreign students, it is necessary to hold a title for such examination in the Greek Language, or attendance for at least one year in a Greek-speaking school and/or attendance to Greek-language courses.
Success in IGCSE, IELTS or TOEFL English language examinations, is a prerequisite for admission of students to courses taught in English. For studying courses taught in Greek, by foreign students, it is necessary to hold a title for such examination in the Greek Language, or attendance for at least one year in a Greek-speaking school and/or attendance to Greek-language courses.
Registration: €500
The registration fee is payable with the acceptance of a place on the course.
Yearly fees: €6500
The above amount is for full-time studies.
• The payment terms are agreed on a personal basis with the students and their parents.
• Part-time tuition fees will be calculated according to each student’s attendance and will be paid monthly.
10% discount on tuition fees:
– To students with Cypriot nationality, from large families with at least 4 children
– To students part of the same family, regardless of nationality
– To students who are a legally married couple, regardless of nationality – In any other case, the school decides necessary.
Aigaia School of Art and Design has decided to establish a scholarship program, in memory of the honorary Director of the Academic Staff of Aigaia school of art & design, Dr Costas Hadjistefanou. The scholarship consists of the full coverage of the fees and is provided for one academic year, with the possibility of renewing for the following years of study. The scholarship is offered only to Greek Cypriots, students of Aigaia School, under strict academic and socio-economic criteria.
His contribution to Education and Culture and generally to our society in Cyprus is invaluable. Profoundly knowledgeable of the Greek language, Culture and Education, he devoted his life to it. His ongoing purpose was to establish the Greek language and Education in Cyprus, offering himself completely and truly, with unlimited time and effort, educating and cultivating the new generation, offering knowledge from his rich spiritual world. In this context and spirit, Costas Hadjistefanou supported the efforts and contributed actively to the creation of Aigaia School of Art and Design based on a solid pedagogical and healthy academic basis.
Contact Person: Agaia School of Art & Design
Phone: +35722445757
Email: info@aigaia.com.cy
