Study at ENSAPC

DIPLÔME NATIONAL D’ART (DNA)

The DNA is conferred upon completion of the first (undergraduate) cycle of the curriculum—that is, the first three years, the same level of study represented in the university system by the Licence (the French equivalent of the bachelor’s degree). The DNA attests to sustained and rigorous pursuit of achievement in art. It signifies the recipient’s capacity for well-substantiated individual artistic work. Before they can sit for the final exams, students must accumulate 165 academic credits. The degree is awarded by a jury appointed by ENSAPC’s director; two members of the jury must be from outside the school and recognized in their artistic specialty.

DIPLÔME NATIONAL SUPÉRIEUR D’EXPRESSION PLASTIQUE (DNSEP)

The DNSEP marks the completion of the second (graduate) cycle of the curriculum. It is earned in two years of work following award of the DNA. Because it represents a total of five years of postsecondary education, it is equivalent to the French and European master. Its award attests to the student’s capacity to engage independently and autonomously in artistic work, to conceive and execute original works of art, and to engage in research toward those goals. Students must also produce a thesis. Drawing on their research efforts, they must marshal the theoretical and historical knowledge, creative resources, and critical tools they have acquired in their studies. Regardless of the form the writing takes, it must demonstrate the student’s capacity for original thinking.

Before they are allowed to take the final exams for the degree—namely, defense of the thesis and of an original work of art—students must have accumulated 270 credits. The DNSEP jury, appointed by the ENSAPC director, consists of five members: one member of the ENSAPC faculty and four qualified individuals from outside the school. One of the latter, who must hold a doctorate, joins the ENSAPC faculty member in conducting the thesis defense.

DNSEP EARNED THROUGH CREDIT AWARDED FOR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

ENSAPC also awards the DNSEP for credit awarded for previous experience. This path is open to working individuals who can show that they have at least one year of professional experience related to the credential sought, whether that experience was acquired continuously or in segments, through full- or part-time work, in France or abroad. This path to a professional credential enables applicants to receive academic recognition of their acquired knowledge (practical and theoretical), experience, and skills related to the degree sought. Applications are first reviewed by a committee to determine whether they meet the formal requirements. Candidates whose application passes this review then begin to prepare for the exams, which consist of two parts: (i) an interview with the jury and (ii) a presentation of artistic work, which must include at least one work completed in the twelve months preceding the exams. Candidates may elect to receive individualized educational support in the form of meetings with faculty during the period of preparation preceding the final exams.

The jury responsible for granting the DNSEP degree on the basis of experience is appointed by the ENSAPC director. It consists of five members: three members from outside the school (including two practicing professionals and one individual competent in the candidate’s field), and two members of the ENSAPC faculty. One of the faculty members must hold a doctorate; the other must practice the same artistic specialty as the candidate.

Learn more about earning a degree through validation of your experience.