Bergen Academy of Art and Design

The Bergen Academy of Art and Design (Kunst- og designhøgskolen i Bergen, KHiB) was a scientific institution in Bergen, Norway, offering higher education in visual arts and design. It merged with The Grieg Academy to form the Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design (KMD) at the University of Bergen (UiB) on January 1, 2017. This faculty is now a leading cultural institution and knowledge builder, educating future artists, designers, performing musicians, composers, music therapists, musicologists, curators, and art and music teachers.

Academics

The Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design (KMD) offers Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs grounded in internationally recognized artistic research. Academic activities are organized across three departments: The Art Academy, The Grieg Academy – Department of Music, and the Department of Design. The teaching approach emphasizes artistic research and experimentation, with a focus on individual student work and a broad range of artistic manifestations, including conceptual art, performative art, photography, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, painting, and new media.

International Students

While specific diversity statistics for KMD are not readily available, approximately 30% of the academic staff at the former KHiB were recruited internationally, indicating a diverse environment. Norway generally offers around 350 English-taught programs for international students, mostly at the Master's level. KMD encourages students to utilize exchange programs in their studies and offers PhD programs with an international standard.

Campus & Location

The Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design (KMD) is located in Bergen, Norway. In 2017, all art and design activities were co-located in a new purpose-built building in Møllendalsveien, designed by the acclaimed Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta. Bergen is a vibrant city, and the campus facilities and equipment are designed to meet high international standards for art and design education.

Career Outcomes

A completed PhD education from UiB, which includes KMD, qualifies graduates for research of international standard and other societal roles requiring scientific insight and analytical thinking. Many PhD graduates pursue careers in research and teaching at universities or research institutes, while others are sought after in business and public enterprises for their analytical and problem-solving skills. Some graduates also choose to start their own businesses, leveraging their innovation and entrepreneurship skills. The University of Bergen provides career services to support PhD candidates and early-stage associate professors with information and guidance for opportunities both within and outside academia.