Arts in Social Contexts B.A./B.F.A.*

Create. Connect. Transform.

What impact can art have on society? How can creativity connect people and shape social spaces? The bachelor's programme in Arts in Social Contexts at HKS Ottersberg is aimed at all those who want to inspire social change – in artistic, therapeutic, educational and social contexts.

This degree programme combines artistic practice, academic reflection and social commitment. Here, you learn to consciously shape creative processes and bring them into the world as a social force. You experiment with forms, colours, words and movements, develop your own artistic style and critically examine social issues.

At HKS Ottersberg, you will meet students, artists, therapists and researchers who are as keen to experiment as they are passionate about their work. Here you will find space for creative expression, personal development and social responsibility – in an interdisciplinary and inspiring environment. No need to be a perfect artist or an experienced therapist yet – what's more important is that you are open, creative and empathetic.

With five specializations, you can develop your individual interests and talents in a purposeful way and qualify for a wide range of career prospects:

Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

Think freely, experiment boldly

In the Fine Arts specialisation in the programme Arts in Social Contexts, you get to develop your own artistic voice and reshape aesthetic experiences. The focus here is on creative experimentation, critical reflection and social commitment. You are encouraged to develop your own artistic concepts, try out different forms of aesthetic expression and apply them in social and cultural contexts.

More on the specialisation Fine Arts

Art Therapy (B.A.)

Creativity as a bridge between people and the world

How can art be healing? How can colours, shapes and creative processes be used to support people in difficult life situations? The Art Therapy specialisation in the programme Arts in Social Contexts combines artistic practice with therapeutic and social commitment.

Art therapy at HKS Ottersberg is experimental, practical and interdisciplinary – a space where you can combine your form of artistic expression with social responsibility.

More on the specialisation Art Therapy

Creative Writing as Social Practice (B.A.)

Writing for social togetherness

Do you enjoy writing? And would you like your work to contribute to a better social environment? Then the Creative Writing as Social Practice specialisation in the programme Arts in Social Contexts is just right for you!

Whether in writing workshops, independent writing collectives or editorial departments – here, writing is understood as a creative dialogue and social process. You will learn to guide and accompany writing processes while at the same time developing and reflecting on your own artistic practice.

More on the specialisation Creative Writing

Social Work (B.A.)

Shape social change with creative methods

Experience art as a tool for social justice. In the specialisation Social Work in the programme Arts in Social Contexts, you will combine methods of social work with artistic approaches to develop creative approaches in areas such as youth welfare, educational work, and inclusion. Dual studies are also possible, combining an academic degree with an apprenticeship at one of the cooperating institutions from the network of HKS Ottersberg.

More on the specialisation Social Work

Performing Arts – Dance and Theatre Pedagogy (B.A.)

Movement. Expression. Change.

What impact can dance and theatre have on society? How can movement and performance shape social processes and promote cultural participation? In the specialisation Performing Arts – Dance and Theatre Education in the programme Arts in Social Contexts, you will learn to combine forms of aesthetic expression with social responsibility, and to bring creative processes into educational and social contexts.

Performing arts at HKS Ottersberg means movement as expression, theatre as dialogue and performance as a social force. You will develop practical approaches to teaching movement, expression and performing arts and learn how artistic processes can shape social spaces and stimulate social change.

More on the specialisation Performing Arts

You only choose your specialisation after the second semester – with the option of a double degree, allowing for an even more comprehensive combination of artistic and social perspectives.

Who is this degree programme suitable for?

Do you want to create art not only for yourself, but also to share it with others? Are you interested in social, educational or therapeutic processes? Then this degree programme offers you the ideal environment to combine your creative and social skills. Arts in Social Contexts at HKS Ottersberg is aimed at creative, open-minded and committed individuals who take on social responsibility and understand artistic processes as a social force.

It is ideal for anyone who wants to use creativity, empathy and reflective skills to initiate societal change and shape social participation – in an experimental, interdisciplinary way and with artistic freedom.

Whether you have just graduated from high school, come from another creative or social field, or already have professional experience, this degree programme offers individual approaches and perspectives.

Find out more here!

Your path to HKS – the application process

At HKS Ottersberg, it is not your grades that count – it is your personality, your creative potential and your commitment.

HKS Ottersberg invites creative individuals with artistic talent to become part of its community. The prerequisites for admission are a university entrance qualification and participation in the arts-focused Explore & Create Days. During this event, you will work on an artistic group project, develop your own ideas and present your work. Finally, there are admission interviews, which are also part of the admission process. Please note: If you cannot attend the Explore & Create Days for any reason – for instance because you do not yet live in Germany – you can instead participate in the online admissions day a few weeks later (this will not diminish your chances of admission).

  1. Fill out the online application form on the HKS website.
  2. Participate in the artistic selection process 'Explore & Create Days': Over two days, you will have the opportunity to get to know the campus, our faculty and students – without the pressure of being examined. The admission process includes an artistic group project, a presentation and an individual admission interview.
  3. Receive your place at the university & enrol.

General admission requirements

  • General higher education entrance qualification / Advanced technical college entrance qualification
  • Alternatively: a recognized vocational qualification or outstanding artistic ability (proven through a selection process) 

Find your specialisation and use your art to make a difference in society!

Apply now or get in touch for a personal consultation.

 

Contact Person
Sharif Bitar
T 04205 – 39 49 34
E-Mail

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Programme structure
  • 1st year: basic studies
  • 2nd to 4th year: specialisation in one of five focus areas
  • Internship in the 7th semester for a direct professionalisation in the chosen career field
  • Bachelor's thesis and final presentation in the 8th semester
Application deadline WiSe 25/26
  • 24. August 2025
Admissions Days
  • ONLINE: 05. September 2025
At a glance
  • Standard period of study: 8 semesters
  • Degree: B.A./B.F.A.
  • Admission semester: Winter semester
  • Study format: Full-time
  • Family atmosphere
  • Interdisciplinary & practical
  • Sustainable & socially relevant
Free admission with the Kultursemesterticket

The Kultursemesterticket (culture semester ticket) gives students free admission to theatres, museums and independent venues in Bremen. It offers students access to a wide range of art and cultural events – and countless opportunities to (re)discover Bremen every day. Read more


Hochschule für Künste im Sozialen (HKS)

Große Straße 107
D-28870 Ottersberg

Tel.: +49 4205 - 39 49 0
Fax: +49 4205 - 39 49 79

info@hks-ottersberg.de
www.hks-ottersberg.de

gefördert durch Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur
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