Our mission at ERAM University School of Arts is to push the boundaries of arts and design through education and research. Serving as an international hub for arts-based and design-based research, where creativity meets teaching and scholarship, we aspire to cultivate a vibrant educational community that encourages transdisciplinarity, collaboration, critical thinking, innovative methodologies, social engagement and positive environmental impact.
We welcome artists, educators and scholars who wish to engage in creative methods that integrate artistic methodologies with academic rigor, contributing to knowledge and practice in and through the arts. Profoundly believing that art and creative processes are fundamental to all fields of knowledge, we envision a future where artistic practices and inquiries are recognized, valued and deeply rooted in academe as vital to our cultural enrichment through imagining and building new possible worlds.
In order to accomplish our mission and vision, we offer a predoctoral program aimed to help mainly foreign PhD candidates to get the skills and knowledge to apply successfully to PhD programs related to arts around Europe. This program includes different English courses, a Specialization degree in Arts-Based Research, and the possibility to attend our BA in Audiovisual Communication and Multimedia. It also offers a welcome and socialization program for students to integrate and participate actively in the ERAM and UdG university community, as well as in the cultural life of Salt and Girona, which includes:
- A welcome day.
- Participation in artistic, cultural and academic events.
- Attendance and participation at ERAM activities, such as exhibitions, plays, festivals, etc.
We celebrate and encourage innovative thinking and artistic expression as fundamental components of scholarly research.
We are committed to integrating these elements into our academic environment, believing that a joyful and playful approach enhances learning and fosters a vibrant research community.
We strive to achieve high standards in both academic and artistic endeavours, promoting rigorous research and outstanding creative work.
We value the integration of diverse disciplines and perspectives, fostering a holistic approach to arts-based research.
We believe in the power of collaborative efforts, both within our academic community and with external partners, to enhance the impact and reach of our research.
We uphold principles of integrity, respect, care and responsibility in all aspects of our research and creative activities.
We recognize and address the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and privilege that affect individuals.
We contribute to actively dismantle colonial power structures and biases in research and creative practices.
We wish to establish and maintain international partnerships and collaborations, positioning our school as a leader in the global arts research community.
We engage with local and global communities through public art projects, exhibitions, and outreach programs, demonstrating the social relevance and transformative potential of arts-based research.
The ERAM PhD program includes various English courses, a Specialization Degree in Arts-Based Research, and the opportunity to attend our BA Degree in Audiovisual and Multimedia Communication.
As students embark on their academic journey, it is essential to recognize the pivotal role that English proficiency plays in achieving their goals. Mastering English opens doors to a world of opportunities and academic excellence, connecting PhD candidates to the global academic community. An advanced and proficient English level allows students to engage with international research, collaborate with peers worldwide, and contribute meaningfully to global conversations.
Confidence in English empowers students to share their research findings and participate actively in academic discourse. At ERAM, we’re committed to supporting students’ academic aspirations through comprehensive English courses tailored to their needs. As students initiate their academic career, it is important to remember that English proficiency is a gateway to academic excellence, professional success, and intellectual fulfilment.
In order to help students develop their English skills and confidence, the program offers three course modalities:
- Preparation to the Cambridge C1 Advanced Level (In collaboration with professional teachers).
- Conversation course.
- Course “Read and write papers”.
Our Specialization course in Arts-Based Research aims to help students, mainly PhD candidates, to draw a viable research project, so they can get the fundamental skills and tools to design and start a research project in the fields of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Technology, always related to arts.
For Arts-Based Research, the course includes all subgenres considered in contemporary scholarship: Design-Based Research, Performance, Poetry, Theatre, Visual Arts, Arts-based educational research (ABER), A/R/Tography, etc. (Barone & Eisner, 1997; Frayling, 1994; Irwin, 2008; Leavy, 2015, 2019; among others).
With a total of 20 Ects, this specialization course is focused on exploring qualitative and post-qualitative research methods in the Arts-Based Research paradigm, in order to achieve the following goals:
- Introduce students to scientific and artistic research.
- Offer specialized training in Arts-Based Research, applied mainly in the following areas/disciplines: interaction design, human-computer interaction, design research, visual arts, performing arts, arts education, and education.
- Give tools to design a viable doctoral research project in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Technology.
- Accompany students in the design of their doctoral research projects.
- Contribute to the integration of foreign newly arrived students in the local, national and international academic community, especially the European academic context.
Besides our English and ABR courses, the program also offers students the possibility to attend our BA in Audiovisual and Multimedia Communication. This option is suitable for students interested in orienting their doctoral studies towards any of the subjects in our curriculum.
It is also an opportunity to practice their English in an academic environment.
Students interested in our program, must meet the following requirements:
- Master’s degree in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences or Technology (always related with art). Exceptions can be made to other fields of study, if candidates present a solid interest in ABR, as well as a curriculum and a professional/academic portfolio that proves previous artistic experience and background.
- Certificate of English B2 (only official certificates will be accepted).
- Curriculum.
- Interview selection.
- Letter of commitment. To be signed after the student is selected and admitted to the program.
Some of our students have already been accepted into various doctoral programs at the University of Girona and the University of Lleida, both located in Catalonia, Spain. Through academic collaboration, our faculty members have been serving as co-supervisors for three students in the PhD programs in Technology (UdG), Education (UdG), and Arts and Education (UdG). For more information about our current PhD candidates’ projects, please visit the following pages: Playful Lab, ERAMSCI, and Doctorate.
While our ERAM team can mentor and advise students on their research plans and careers, it is important to note that this support does not guarantee acceptance to any Phd program. Upon completing our pre-doctoral program, students must independently apply to their desired doctoral programs, adhering to the selection protocols and formal requirements of each institution. Participation in and completion of our pre-doctoral program does NOT imply automatic acceptance into any PhD program or university.
The city of Girona, located in the heart of Catalonia, is an exceptional place for university students. This historic enclave, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture, offers a rich environment in culture and history.
Girona is more than just a beautiful city. It is a place of diversity, creativity, and educational opportunities. With an active university community and a wide range of cultural and social events, the city is alive with opportunities for learning and personal growth.
Students who choose Girona as their destination for university studies have the advantage of combining quality education with a rich and enriching lifestyle. The proximity to the beaches of the Costa Brava and the Catalan Pyrenees offers the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of recreational and outdoor activities.
The university campus of Girona is a center of innovation and academic excellence, offering competitive educational programs and research opportunities in various disciplines. Students find an environment that fosters collaboration and personal development, all while enjoying a city that values diversity and inclusion.
Girona is more than just a geographic location; it’s a place where possibilities are endless, and learning goes beyond the classrooms. It’s a place where students can grow, be inspired, and prepare for a bright future. Welcome to Girona, where learning comes to life.
