PhD Defence Aparajita Dutta

Art education is generally seen as international. However, little is known about how it works specifically in European fine art and design higher education. This research studies the why, what, how and possible outcomes of internationalisation in higher education institutions of fine art and design. The definition of internationalisation by de Wit et al. (2015) in higher education is used as its basis.

The study focuses on the bachelor level at six fine art and design higher education institutions across Europe. Students, teachers, management, and policy officers were interviewed. This research examines the official side of internationalisation, such as strategies, and how students, teachers, management and policy officers think about internationalisation.

The conclusion is that the internationalisation process, as defined by de Wit et al. (2015), falls short of fully implementing internationalisation in fine arts and design higher education across Europe. The study shows that these fields need a clearer understanding of what “internationalisation” actually means.

Internationalisation activities need to be planned and aligned with the institution's overall goals. This includes specifically internationalisation of curriculum and internationalisation at home.

The research also identifies a gap between what institutions officially say about internationalisation and how students, teachers, and other people involved actually understand and experience it.

This leads to an important question: How can we clearly identify and demonstrate the impact of internationalisation on fine art and design higher education?

Rethinking internationalisation in this context is essential.