• Students who are accepted and receive an official offer for the program of study are required to pay the registration fee to secure their place.

• The first instalment of the tuition fee is paid in the period of ten days before the start of each academic year. The 2nd instalment is paid on the last week of the 1st semester.

• Students are required to pay tuition and other fees on the dates set by Aigaia.

• Aigaia is not responsible in the event of any loss or damage, in any way, to the students’ personal belongings or property in its premises.

• Students with pending financial responsibility towards Aigaia will not be given their diploma until settled.

• Students are not allowed to participate in competitions, seminars, exhibitions or other events without the approval of the School. For the approval, a request must be made in writing at least two weeks before the event. If approved, students must also declare their status as Aigaia Students at any event they are approved to participate. The management of the school may withdraw its approval if the purpose for which it was issued is not fulfilled.

• Participation in competitions, lectures, seminars, exhibitions or other events organised as part of Aigaia curriculum is compulsory.

• The copyright of the work produced by any student, as part of their studies, belongs to Aigaia. The sale or reproduction of a work is prohibited without the written consent of the school.

• Students are obliged to read all the announcements posted on the studio and school boards and digital platforms for their information updates. By posting information the school considers the students informed.

• Aigaia students are not allowed to attend another art & design Institution.

• Students’ behaviour towards all the staff of the school and their peers should be polite and discreet.

• Students must respect the property of the school. They are responsible for the immediate and complete repair of any damage caused by their liability.

• Students must arrive at the school 10 minutes before the start of any course. Students must notify their teacher if they cannot attend the course for any reason.

• Students must have all materials, books needed for their lessons and courses on time.

• Moving workshop materials and equipment away from their allocated spaces is not permitted unless instructed to do so by the responsible teachers. Anything moved should be restored to its original location immediately after use.

• Students are expected to have their materials, sketchbooks and tools at all times.

• Students are expected to use the library and the computer lab for their assignments.

• Students are expected to work on and complete all assigned tasks based on their strengths and abilities. The school will examine and take disciplinary action against any type of dishonesty, plagiarism or inappropriate behaviour.

• Course attendance is compulsory. A student can be considered unsuccessful and having to repeat the same course due to poor attendance (20% or more absences).

• Absences are justified only in the event of illness or other serious reason following the submission of all the relevant documentation.

• Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere in the School premises. The school will not show any leniency regarding illegal possession, use and/or trafficking of drugs in its premises, which results in immediate termination of studies.

• Student representatives participate in the School Board, the Disciplinary, Academic and Administrative Committee of the school, as well as the Internal Quality commit- tee.

• Aigaia School of art & design is an Institution where there is an emphasis on freedom of spirit, expression, research and respect for the individual identity of each student and staff.

• Every student can use all the workshops and facilities of the school, provided they had an induction in the use of the equipment and the space in general and under- stand and follow strictly all health and safety rules.

• Students can request written certification for their attendance, detailed assessment reports, etc.

• Each student is nominated a personal tutor who can discuss with and advises them on any of their courses.

• Aigaia School of Art & Design takes all necessary action to ensure the provision of the necessary learning resources such as libraries, specialised workshops, study facilities, IT infrastructure and counselling on learning and other issues.
• Students with special needs (persons with disabilities) and learning disabilities are facilitated to attend and participate to the learning and assessment processes and receive any assistance considered necessary.
• In order to ensure and maintain the learning resources, where necessary, and to an appropriate level, Aigaia takes all necessary actions in relation to the budget and to ensure the maintenance and improvement of the learning resources.
• Aigaia School of Art & Design is committed to ensuring that students receive a high-quality learning experience, and that the standards of the program of study are set at appropriate levels according to a Quality Assurance System of policies and activities implemented every academic year.
• Aigaia is committed to maintain quality and standards in all the teaching and delivering of all courses at all levels.
• Establishing that the standards of the taught programs are appropriate, and that the quality of the student experience can be assured are the main concerns of the verifications of all assignments/ Briefs/ Lessons/ Courses/ Programs/ processes.
• The security of all student assessment is assured by a clear assessment process, which is supported by the guidance provided by the content of all courses/ briefs/ assignments/ program of study, in terms of learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
• Student achievement is monitored continuously in formal and informal ways including consideration at internal quality procedures, as part of the annual monitoring process.
• Students provide an important view as to the quality of provision and the Institution will seek student opinions so as to enhance the quality of the student experience.

Aigaia formally commits to implement all necessary measures and mechanisms so that:

• All academic/teaching staff involved in teaching activities are competent and act professionally and ethically,
• Aim at continuous improvement,
• Enable Aigaia to guard against intolerance of any kind or discrimination,
• Safeguarding of all students of all levels of the program of study,
• Ensure that any activities carried out and material produced by part time staff are to appropriate standards.

• Official title on certificate: “Visual Arts”, 2 year Diploma.
• Qualification awarded: 2 year Diploma
• Percentage of students taking part in assessments: 100% of enrolled students, each semester.
• Success of the assessment rates of students: 95%
• Average grade of Diploma: Merit
• Average duration of studies to obtain a Diploma: 2 years (FULL TIME MODE)
• All Practical courses are evaluated – not graded. Only the theoretical courses are graded. All grades are visible on the final transcript that accompanies the Diploma.
• The % of the passed courses exceeds 95% every academic semester.
• Ratio of students/teachers per subject, in theoretical and practical subjects: at least 1/7, mostly higher than that. It is maybe different for each academic year.

• The learning environment at Aigaia is friendly and warm and all students are very special for us.
• Involved in art education for so long, we learned from our experience that to be able to cultivate the new generation of creative individuals we have to touch the creative souls of our students. That can only be done through personal interrelated relationships and daily communication with tutors and teaching staff, which uniquely characterises Aigaia and contributes towards the high quality of education provided.
• All students are under continuous daily evaluation throughout their studies. This is realised through discussions and critiques in workshops or in studios with piers and tutors.
• Personal tutorials with tutors (individual based tutorials).
• Seminars/ group discussios and presentations of their own work and the work of others.
• Individual project presentations

PREMISES

• Aigaia School of Art and Design created a unique Art School Environment in a 1922 enlisted building in the Agioi Omologites area, in Nicosia, combining traditional with contemporary architecture. Aigaia’s purpose-built premises are equipped with all the appropriate workshops and working spaces to enable the teaching of all the subjects of visual and performing arts.
• During the year there will be hosting of professional exhibitions of all types of visual arts work, professional and experimental theatre performances and productions, social events, seminars, lectures and entertainment.
• The building accommodates specialised workshops, a library, a computer lab, exhibition and performance spaces, staff room, cafeteria as well as facilities for students with special needs.
• ANCIENT MONUMENT. The ancient burial space found and preserved in the premises of the school, dates back to the Hellenistic period – 400 BC. It marks its special significance for the solid foundations that Greek tradition so generously offered to the school to fulfill its mission.
• The teaching of visual arts is always supported by the use of specialised studios and workshops. The process of developing and completing each task of all the subjects of the courses is carried out in whole or in part, in the appropriate workshop.
• Permanent exhibition space. The permanent exhibition space of the School is located in the traditional section of the building showcasing artworks by professionals, including our Academic Staff.
• However, the entire building is designed to transform into an entire exhibition space, covering all the needs for all types of presentations and exhibitions by students and professionals that are the result or not of the range of academic activities of the school.
• The Library. The library is a study area for students, staff and visitors. Its purpose is to help, encourage and inspire teachers and learners about the various disciplines of visual and performing arts, while also serving as a presentation and lecture room. Its purpose is equivalent to its creation objectives and appropriate to the space it operates from. It aims to cover a wide range of subjects and themes and to provide a source of information and research, to enrich the knowledge and work of academic staff, students, even visitors and friends of Aigaia. A collection of more than 2000 titles, covering all sectors of art & design, drawing, literature and poetry, general knowledge, architecture, theatre, cinema, photography etc.

STUDIOS AND WORKSHOPS

• All studio spaces have access to disabled students.
• Ceramics workshop
• Printmaking workshop
• Sculpture workshop
• Fashion and textiles workshop
• Darkroom for the development and printing of black and white photographs.
• Exhibition spaces allowing all the students to exhibit and present their work during the Academic year.
• Personal studio space for all students and all necessary furniture and equipment needed to aid their studies.
• Specialised art & design library with more than 2000 books and magazines.
• Computers with appropriated software/ printing and photocopying.
• Theatre multifunctional space, with its main design feature to be that of versatility and flexibility in the arrangement of seats and the stage. It is equipped with the necessary performance equipment (light – sound – projector) providing unique possibilities for rearranging and changing the layout, according to the requirements of each event. The space is ideal for plays, performances, rehearsals, art exhibitions, poetry workshops, various presentations, corporate events, lectures, seminars, life drawing lessons, critiques etc.

Aigaia School of Art and Design created a unique art school in a 1922 building in the Agioi Omologites area, in Nicosia, combining traditional with contemporary architecture. Aigaia’s purpose built premises were completed in 2008 and are equipped with all the appropriate workshops and working spaces to enable the teaching of all the subjects of art and design. The building accommodates specialised workshops, a library, computer lab, exhibition and performance spaces, staff room, cafeteria as well as facilities for students with special needs.

• The School is equipped with appropriate workshops and spaces to enable the teaching of all the subjects and areas of the visual arts. Through studio-based learning, which is the most efficient art and design teaching method, students will develop their skills, their ability to research, experiment and to generate creative ideas and results.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

• The spaces and workshops conform to all health and safety requirements.
• To proactively manage health and safety within the workplace not only as a legal duty but also as good practice, which will prevent work related incidents/ accidents and ill health, and increase employee and learner morale and motivation.
• We promote standards of health and safety that comply with our own standards and our specialised spaces.
• We provide and maintain appropriate systems to ensure a safe and healthy working/ learning environment and to protect staff, students and others from harm, in so far as is reasonably practicable
• We make available such resources to fulfil this policy in the form of finance, equipment, personnel and time as are necessary.
• Define individual responsibilities for health and safety matters.
• We provide all staff and students, including temporary staff, with sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision that they need to work safely and efficiently.

STUDIOS AND WORKSHOPS

• All studios/ workshops/ lecture rooms etc have access for disabled students.
• All workshops can be used with the responsible tutor acting as the specialised technician and after they had an appropriate induction.
• Teaching in all studios and workshops is very personalised and intensive. Having small groups in relation to staff/ students/ workshops is one of Aigaia’s goals, as we believe in personal interaction.

The quality assurance system of Aigaia School of Art & Design covers all spectrum of its functions and actors.

Quality of education is in the essence of the functioning of Aigaia School of Art & Design. The quality in teaching is mainly achieved through adoption of good teaching practices, self-assessment of teaching (e.g., in-class evaluation questionnaires etc.), continuous faculty professional development, networking and support for continuous improvement.

Teaching staff discusses in open discussions and exchanges ideas on good quality teaching practices. Peer observation is also used as part of the Institution’s quality assurance procedure. Identification of good teaching practices, is always focusing and in accordance to the specialised Creative Nature of Aigaia Institution.

Continuous quality improvement is also achieved through support to our students’ quality of learning. Through mobilities abroad, the continuous development of our academic staff and the improvement of students’ quality of learning is achieved. Monitoring, evaluating and revising programmes of study provided and considering the introduction of new contribute towards this goal, together with daily easy accessibility of students to teaching staff, counselling and mentoring practises and support provided to students facing difficulties during their studies etc.

“So at Aigaia we know very well that our profession has a mission and an immense responsibility against society, culture and the generation we influence with our teachings”

“Our profession has a mission, in the course of our practice we aim to unite two realms of reflection and action – those of aesthetics and ethics. Arts educators and arts practitioners have the tools that can recreate and represent the world and this gives us considerable responsibility as well as influence. They can open new horizons both visible and invisible, but we/they may do much more to stimulate and un-tap the immense potential of the human being for a life of dignity and harmony. “You may say I am a dreamer, but I’m not the only one”.”

From the: artesnetEurope (2007 – 2010) “The Future of Higher Arts Education in Europe”

GENERAL ADMISSIONS POLICY

• According to the Admissions Policy adopted by Aigaia School of Art & Design, there is no discrimination on ethnicity, race, religion, gender, colour, disability or political direction, taking into account those particularities inherited by theTurkish occupation of 2% of Cyprus and its consequences.
• Prospective students can come from the Republic of Cyprus and other EU or third countries, shaping a multicultural environment of creation, exchange of cultural culture and experiences.
• Admission is granted according to the qualifications of each candidate and is based mainly on their prior education and performance, including and most importantly their personal portfolio.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Secondary education or an equivalent certification is necessary for entry.
• IGCSE, IELTS or TOEFL exams in English Language are a necessary qualification for a candidate to enroll in a program of study where the language if instruction is English.
• Presentation of a personal portfolio in an interview held by the Admissions Committee, demonstrating, experience, passion and interest in the Visual Arts.

ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION

• Enrolment will take place after the candidate has been offered a place.
• For candidates with learning disabilities like dyslexia etc., the submission of relevant documentation is necessary during the enrollment procedure.
• Applications are accepted during the whole year.

TRANSFERS OF CANDIDATES FROM OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY OR FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS:

• After the enrolment, the Admissions Committee should approve transfer of a student to a relevant program of study of the Institution in writing. Change of a program of study is possible within 1 month from the beginning of the academic year. Transfer to a new program of study can only be performed during the 1st year of studies and only once.
• From other Institutions, candidates are regarded as transferred students when they have started studying at a program of study of an Institution of the Republic of Cyprus or abroad which is accredited by the relevant authorities of the country where that Institution is based.
• Candidates should submit their application, together with all the necessary documentation concerning the program of study of the previous Institution they were attending.
• The Admissions Committee assesses each case and if needed can call the candidate for a personal interview.

RECOGNITION OF PREVIOUS STUDIES AND PRIOR LEARNING:

The Admissions committee will examine all official documentation provided by the candidates from any previous academic journey (including portfolio of artworks or relevant experience in a professional environment) and we will look to find the equivalents as prior learning and previous studies and most importantly their ability to follow successfully the program of study in an appropriate semester and year of study.

• Students who have an objection for the grade either of a theoretical course, FMP or studio-workshop evaluation, have the right within 5 days after the announcement of the results to request in writing, reassessment of the grade or evaluation respectively, by submitting to the Academic Committee a relevant request through the Institution’s Secretariat. The Academic Committee is required to examine the objection and respond to the student within 3 days of the submission of the request.

Further to the above, student grievance procedures can aim for:

• Improvement of Grade – Evaluation

A student can improve their assessment decision of any course / studio – workshop, by attending the course / workshop again.

• Setting Alternative Assessment Date
• No student can be absent from examinations that have already been announced, or violate the deadline of submitting a project of a workshop or an FMP. In such a case the student gets grade FAIL (0%).
• In the event of unavoidable absence from exams or in the event of an extremely serious reason which prevents submission of a project of a workshop or FMP, the student should inform in advance the Secretariat which informs their tutors respectively.  The tutor concerned has the jurisdiction and responsibility to request, if they deem necessary, the necessary supporting documents – including medical certificates – in order to decide accordingly. If it is decided by the responsible tutor that the student is justified, the Academic Committee sets out a new exam date or submission date for any course or an FMP, within 5 days from the predetermined date.

Introduction, Definition and Purpose

‘Academic freedom’ is a term used to describe the absolute freedom a member of teaching staff or student should have as a personal right and that allows for open and honest debate in an academic context. Aigaia has a duty to secure the development of students’ ideas and understanding in the form of academic freedom, Art education can not succeed otherwise, as the whole system is based on pushing the boundaries of all knowledge and ideas, in order to achieve innovation and authenticity”.

Is defined as the right to:

• To question and test received wisdom and knowledge.
• To put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions without placing themselves in jeopardy of any sort.
• The purpose of our academic freedom policy is to support the full development of our educational philosophy and pedagogy. Aigaia academic teaching staff including visiting and guest lecturers, must be free to cultivate a spirit of inquiry in our students and to examine ideas in an atmosphere of freedom and confidence.
• Aigaia School of Art & Design, attaches great importance to preserving the principle of academic freedom. The academic staff of the Institution has absolute freedom of research, publication, presentation and exhibition of their personal work within the framework of adequate execution of the rest of their academic duties.
• Furthermore, the academic staff is empowered with full freedom of teaching within the curriculum developed by the Institution. The academic staff is free to design and create assignments depending on their personal interests and teaching methodology, always according and fulfilling the specific and learning outcomes and assessment criteria in Aigaia’s syllabus.
• The Institution has no disciplinary jurisdiction or control over its academic staff when acting in its personal capacity. However, it is expected that its academic staff will always keep in mind that their word and actions always reflect on the Institution.
• Any member of the academic staff or student, who considers that their academic freedom is being violated may submit a written complaint to the board to be examined.