Course Studies

Degree Course Syllabus/Outline of Studies/

Today: LMD

The University Charter issued by the European Commission authorizes ESAG/Penninghen to set up the LMD system (Licence, Master, Doctorate). The implementation of this scheme demonstrates the extent to which the school respects its commitment to European strategy. The ECTS (European Credits Transfer System), common to many European states, validates European recognition of each academic year, allocated 60 credits. The  First Year at ESAG/Penninghen is — first of three years leading to the  certification of completion of the first cycle (Licence Level),  which qualifies for second cycle studies  leading to the Degree  in Art Direction/Graphic Design or Interior Architecture/Design (Master Level), accredited and registered by  the Repertoire des Certifications  Professionnelles (Directory of  National Certifications).

The ESAG course syllabus  thus covers 3 to 5 years.

Some helpful explanations

The degree issued by ESAG/Penninghen is a Master Level Degree (5 years post-Baccalaureate)

• The First Year is the first step  leading to this degree.
• The Licence Level corresponds to 3 years of study: L1+L2+L3.
• The Master Level corresponds to 5 years of study: Licence Level (L3)+M1+M2.

The ECTS System and how it works

The European system of credits transfer and accumulation (ECTS), operative in the School since 2006, is a system centered  on the student. It is  based on the work to be completed  in order to attain the objectives of the given syllabus. These objectives  are defined in terms of knowledge and skills to be acquired. 20 credits correspond to 1 quarter term (based on full-time course attendance and participation), 30 credits correspond to 1 semester, and 60 credits to one academic  year.

The ECTS facilitates comparative interpretation of study syllabuses for all students, be they locals or foreigners. It also facilitates mobility and university recognition, as the system may be utilized within the context of diverse curricula and teaching methods.

The Grade Sheet drawn up by the School shows the results  of  the student,  with a list of courses attended, credits obtained, ESAG course grades, and ECTS equivalent grades: Licence, Master.

Evaluation of Studies

Studies in each discipline are graded according to the scale below:

Course Scheduling

Courses are apportioned to a full-time weekly schedule. The latter has been elaborated taking into account the demands of professional practice, and combines the different disciplines. There are approximately 30 hours of workshop study and 35 hours of outside preparation.  Projects may vary in length, but at least  two projects  per term must be rendered in each discipline. The course syllabuses of the third and fourth years are open to exchange students: ESAG/Penninghen has participated in the Socrates-Erasmus Programme since 1992.

Organization of  Course Studies

1 – Licence (Undergraduate/Bachelor) Cycle/180 credits

The objective is  for the student to comprehend the creative process from concept  to completion, in order to join a professional team as “assistant” at the end of the cycle, in one of the following sectors:

• graphic design, communication, and image-making in general,   or
• interior architecture, design, and scenography for temporary exhibitions or events.

L1 – 1st year - 60 credits

Objectives/ This first  foundation year enables the student to acquire artistic knowledge, to develop his/her curiosity, to master techniques of expression, to organize work, to select  professional orientation. This first academic year in the Licence Cycle is also a preparatory year for selective examinations for admission to art schools of higher education  in France and abroad which award degrees in disciplines other than those taught at ESAG/Penninghen. The First Year Course is a necessary  transition between secondary school and specialized studies specific to our professions, as taught in the School and other major design schools. Approaching this year of study, the student must keep in mind that new thought processes, new techniques are to be discovered. Access to fields of activity linked no longer to written  or verbal language, but to  vocabulary of form and  perception of space,  requires an intellectual effort intrinsic to the creation of images and objects, difficult  to master for the beginner. Acquired practice in drawing is not a prerequisite to this first year. Nevertheless, the future designer should possess qualities of imagination, sensitivity, an inquisitive mind, sense of vocation,  and a competitive spirit. Course of Studies: From the onset of the academic year, basic techniques in different means of expression are studied. During the first three months, these studies entail a significant work load, extending  beyond  course hours. At the end of the first term, the results obtained in the various disciplines and a general exam for the three First Year workshops, serve as indicators of each student’s potential. During the second and third terms, the accent is placed more on the need for each student  to choose an orientation and affirm his/her personality. At the end of the year, concerning admission to higher studies, the student may be accepted directly to the next level at ESAG/Penninghen on the basis of continuing evaluation and class rank for the year; or, the student may apply  by selective entrance examination to major art and design schools of his/her choice, including ESAG/Penninghen.

L2 – 2nd year – 60 credits

Objectives/ The second year marks the beginning of specialized studies and a basic approach to the project. The student  deepens his artistic culture, masters new techniques of expression, and learns to organize the work schedule.

L3 – 3rd year – 60 credits

Objectives/ The third year takes up the notion of enterprise. The student acquires the basics necessary to assist an art director, interior architect, or designer.

The student will master tools of information technology and will elaborate a personal portfolio of completed works, in order to apply for a position, an exchange programme abroad, or a (compulsory) placement /internship in a company. Finally, he/she will assist a graduating student in the presentation of a thesis project.

Certification attesting to completion of the third year, Licence Level, is  given  students who have validated 180 credits, with the qualification “Graphic Designer” or “Assistant Interior Architect”.

2 – The Master Cycle/ 120 credits

The objective of this second cycle is to enable the student to master every step of the project, from concept to completion, so as to direct  his/her work towards a career in a sector of communication, advertising, design, strategy, packaging, animation, photography, video, video game display, fine arts, fashion, luxury product design, new technologies, or architecture, interior architecture, design, and creative fields in general.

M1 – 4th year – 60 credits

The fourth year is focused on large-scale projects. The student must develop in-depth argumentation and communication to support  the project, the  ability to cope with problems, the know-how to “sell” his/her skills; he/she  is to find an internship and may spend a study term abroad in a foreign exchange programme ( the latter being optional, but strongly recommended).

M2 – 5th year – 60 credits

During this fifth year: research, vision of the future

The student must support and defend an idea , innovate, prepare the degree thesis , look to his/her professional immersion, “sell” his/her talents and skills, acquire professional autonomy, invent  his/her field of activity, take on responsibilities, and perhaps even create a company.

3  -Degree: end of Second Cycle

Master Level with mention « Art Direction/Graphic Design »  or « Interior Architecture/Design » , recognized by the CFAI (French Board of Interior Architects).

State-certified titles, registered at the RNCP. The Degree is recognized by the corresponding professions: Degree Juries are comprised of renowned professionals from countries worldwide.

The “Supplement to the Degree”(attached to the ESAG/Penninghen Diploma) is intended to facilitate international “clarity” as well as academic and professional recognition of qualifications. It describes the nature, level, and content of studies successfully completed by the student, in accordance to  the  Degree title to which it is annexed. The Supplement is devoid of any value judgment; it represents neither declaration of equivalency nor recommendation of recognition.  Nor does it constitute an automatic system of grade recognition, since each school remains free to set its own standards of evaluation and selection.

Course catalogue

For the complete version in French: http://www.penninghen.fr/atelier-preparatoire/catalogue-de-cours-L1-P1.html