Bermuda College has opened a route for art and design graduates to enter the third year of a fine arts degree in Paris under a new articulation agreement.
A spokesperson said, “The partnership with Paris College of Art, part of Paris University in France, guarantees admission to students who complete the Associate of Arts in Art & Design at the College and meet the required academic standards.
“Eligible graduates will receive junior, or third-year, standing in the Bachelor of Fine Arts programme. The arrangement recognises their earlier academic studies in Bermuda as they continue towards an undergraduate degree in the French capital.
“It is the latest articulation agreement for the College which now has 45 agreements with institutions in the UK, US, Canada and continental Europe.”
Dr Ali Arouzi, vice-president of academic affairs at Bermuda College, said the partnership connected students with Paris’s long artistic tradition.
He said: “We are proud to create a pathway that connects our Art & Design graduates to that rich tradition.
“Through this partnership with Paris College of Art, our students will have access to exceptional academic opportunities while showcasing Bermudian talent on an international stage.”
Dr Arouzi added: “Given Paris’s rich artistic history and creativity, it would be a tremendous opportunity for Bermuda College students’ academic and professional growth.”
A spokesperson added, “Under the agreement, Paris College of Art will recognise completed lower-division general education requirements and work with Bermuda College to maximise the acceptance and application of transfer credits.
“All college-level courses completed with a grade of C or better as part of the associate degree will be accepted for transfer and applied towards programme requirements where appropriate.
“Paris University is a US degree-granting institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, the same body that accredits Bermuda College.
“Paris College of Art also holds accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees taught in English.
“The fine arts curriculum combines drawing, painting and sculpture with work in video, installation, performance, photography and digital imaging. Museum and gallery visits form part of the course, alongside art history and critical studies.
“Students choose a focus during their third year, with opportunities to work across different media. Elective courses in other departments allow them to explore additional methods and approaches as they develop their artistic practice.”
Dr Linda Jarvin, president of Paris University, said: “We are very excited to work with Bermuda College to offer this transfer pathway for graduates of the Art & Design programme to Paris College of Art at Paris University.
“Given Bermuda College’s commitment to student success and rigorous academic programmes, we are certain that their students will be an excellent addition to our campus community in Paris.
“Our Fine Arts BFA helps students develop advanced technical skills while providing unparalleled access to some of Europe’s premier cultural institutions, ensuring students have an exceptional preparation for their artistic careers.
“We hope that this will be the first of many collaborative projects between our two institutions.”
A spokesperson added, “Students considering overseas study can explore the Transfer Pathways section at www.college.bm and seek guidance from its Counselling and Career Centre on the requirements for their intended course.”