We've set your language to English.

Arts and Crafts

Creative, Art & Expression

Creative Design Associate Degree

Duration

2 years

Level

Associate DegreeFull-time only

Outlook

Stable

What will you learn?

(Arts en Crafts) In the AD Arts and Crafts program, you develop yourself into a versatile creative professional who combines traditional craft techniques with contemporary design principles. You learn to work with diverse materials such as wood, metal, textile, ceramics and glass, mastering both manual skills and digital design tools. The program includes subjects like material knowledge, design processes, production techniques, entrepreneurship and cultural history of crafts. What makes this AD unique compared to a full HBO bachelor's degree is the intensive focus on practical skills and direct applicability in the job market within two years. You work on real assignments for local businesses, cultural institutions and private clients, building a professional portfolio. Internships at craft businesses, studios or design studios are an essential part of the program. This program is perfect for creative people who like hands-on work and enjoy working with their hands, but also have an eye for aesthetics and quality.

A week as a student

Listen: a week in Arts and Crafts0:00 / 0:00

The week starts on Monday with a Materials Knowledge class. The teacher explains how different types of wood and metal work. After that, you get to work in the atelier [the workshop space of the programme]. You practise with tools and compare materials. You work together with a class of around twenty students.

On Tuesday you have Design. You learn how to develop an idea into a real product. You sketch by hand and work with design software on the computer. Wednesday is Art History. You look at how craftsmanship — making things by hand — has changed over the centuries. You discuss examples in a small group and then write a short analysis.

Required Education

For admission to AD Arts and Crafts, you need at least an MBO-4 diploma in a related field such as Creative Craftsman, Media Designer or Spatial Designer, or a HAVO diploma. The Culture & Society profile aligns best with this program because subjects like Cultural and Artistic Education (CKV) and possibly History prepare you for the cultural context of crafts and design. The Economics & Society profile can also be suitable due to the entrepreneurship component in the program. In secondary school, subjects like visual arts, history and Dutch are particularly relevant for developing cultural awareness and communication skills. Some universities of applied sciences organize an intake interview where you must present a portfolio with your own creative work to demonstrate your motivation and talent. As alternative admission, you can also be admitted with relevant work experience in the creative sector or a bridging course, provided you can demonstrate sufficient basic skills.

Core Subjects

Career Prospects

After your AD Arts and Crafts, you can immediately start working as an independent craft designer, product designer for small-scale productions, or work at craft businesses such as furniture makers, jewelers, ceramics studios or textile studios. You can also find work in the retail sector at home furnishing stores, galleries or concept stores where your knowledge of materials and production processes is valued. Typical starting salaries range between €2,200 and €2,800 gross per month, while independent entrepreneurs naturally have variable incomes depending on their assignments and client base. For career advancement, you can progress from your AD to the full HBO bachelor's degree in Autonomous Fine Arts, Design or Industrial Product Design, often entering directly into the third year thanks to the practical experience you have gained.

Impact of AI on this program

AI has a growing influence on AD Arts and Crafts. Routine tasks are being automated, while complex decision-making, creativity and human contact are becoming more important. Knowledge of AI tools and data literacy is a growing competency in this field.