Art & Science

The objective of the Art & Science master’s degree programme is to investigate the relationships between different artistic and scientific representational cultures and their respective cognitive and research methods. An inter- and transdisciplinary approach and project-oriented education should stimulate interaction between model and theory construction, and the application of methods, particularly in the arts and sciences.

The master’s programme has in mind that many everyday topics in society are permeated by scientific knowledge, and that this can lead to controversial discussions. In part, these discussions link complex fields of knowledge and their respective specialised knowledge, and represent different contributions to the development of our society.

This is a point of convergence for the – quite often different – questions that art and science pose and where a creative crossroad emerges for finding or rejecting answers. This point of view involves the in- vestigation (and the corresponding in-depth study) of social and political processes, and the relation, application, and development of artistic and scientific positions, methods, media, and organisations. Thus, it implies exploring a frequently controversial societal thematic space, where the disciplinary, scientific–artistic ivory tower is infiltrated, where students locate and investigate – and possibly generate themselves – more or less conspicuous sociotechnical ruptures in our society.

Inquisitiveness is a prerequisite that leads to a representation, a creative restructuring of the respective themes, in which the application or interweaving of certain artistic or scientific methods or media represents the result, and not the departure point, of the research.

To study Art & Science, you need to have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline and to pass the entrance exam. Candidates should show a special interest in transdisciplinary projects and the ability to deal with techniques that experiment with different methods and media. The two-year programme is held in English so candidates should also be comfortable in conversing and writing in this language.


Entrance Exam for the Academic Year 2020/21
Procedure

Infomeetings for prospective applicants (optional)
26 June 2019, 10:00
during Angewandte Festival (in the main building at Oskar-Kokoschka-Platz 2, Lichthof B)
23 October 2019, 16:00
during Open House (at Salzgries 14/2nd floor, Art & Science Studios)
10 December 2019, 13:00      
at Salzgries 14/2nd floor, Art & Science Studios


Each phase requires a positive assessment to move on to the next step.

Phase 1 – Registration & Digital Portfolio, CV, LoM Submission
2 – 19 January 2020 – online        

The following documents should be emailed to artscience@uni-ak.ac.at
– Art & Science registration form – between 2 and 19 January 2020: download pdf here (form online during that registration period only); return it: filled out, signed and scanned
– Letter of motivation (LoM) – stating your interest in art and science as well as in the approach of the course (What do I expect from the course? Why do I want to take this study? What is my professional vision for the future?)
– Curriculum vitae (CV) – including contact information (telephone number, email)
– Digital portfolio – with your artistic and/or scientific works (Physical portfolios may be submitted additionally during Phase 2, but a digital version is mandatory; if your portfolio is not in German/English, please translate the abstract only.)
Please use this format: PDF, max. 10 MB or link to shared drive, e.g. video/audio-files; naming convention: LastName_FirstName_ RegistrationForm/LoM/Portfolio/CV    
Decision and Notification: end-January 2020: Positive assessment of the first phase is a requirement for the second phase. You will be informed by email which needs to be acknowledged by yourself in view of the following exams in Vienna.


Phases 2 & 3 will take place in the Art & Science studios and, therefore, a personal appearance in Vienna is obligatory!


Phase 2 – Written and practical tasks
25 and 26 February 2020 – Vienna
at Salzgries 14/2nd floor, Art & Science Studios (personal appearance obligatory!)
The second phase lasts two days and consists of two conceptual/creative tasks in the fields of art and science to be completed in English.
Decision and Notification: 27 February 2020: Positive assessment of the second phase is a requirement for the third phase, the interview. You will be informed by email as well as the list with names will be posted at the Art & Science Studio info board on Friday morning.

Phase 3 – Admission Interview
28 February 2020 – Vienna
at Salzgries 14/2nd floor, Art & Science Studios (personal appearance obligatory!)
In the third phase, the candidate’s aptitude for the programme is reviewed in a short personal interview with the team.  

Publication of Results
Between 2 – 6 March 2020
Positive assessment of all three phases is a requirement to pass the admission exam. A list with names of accepted students will be posted in the main building of the University, at Oskar-Kokoschka-Platz 2, 1010 Vienna. An email notification will follow thereon.

Feedback Meeting
3 March 2020, 12:30
Optional, for applicants who have not passed the exam; at Salzgries 14/2nd floor, 1010 Vienna, Art & Science Studios