General Information
The Traditional Handicrafts Program, operating under the Department of Handicrafts, offers a two-year course of study following high school education. Students are admitted to the program based on the Student Selection and Placement Examination (ÖSYS) administered by the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM).
Approximately 30 students are admitted to the program each year. Courses are categorized into two groups: compulsory and elective. While all students are required to take the compulsory courses, they may select elective courses according to their own preferences.
In addition to coursework, every student is required to complete a practical internship lasting at least 30 working days.
Objective
Objectives of the Traditional Handicrafts Program
To train graduates who comprehend the historical, cultural, and artistic heritage of traditional handicrafts and possess the knowledge and skills to preserve and pass this heritage on to future generations.
To cultivate individuals capable of producing original and innovative work by integrating traditional production techniques with contemporary art and design concepts.
To train experts capable of conducting research in the field, employing scientific methods, and exercising critical and creative thinking skills.
To conduct academic and practical work that contributes to the preservation, documentation, and sustainability of cultural heritage.
To train graduates with the professional competence to collaborate with public institutions, local governments, museums, cultural organizations, non-governmental organizations, and creative industries.
To contribute to the development of entrepreneurial individuals who possess a commitment to lifelong learning and ethical values, as well as a sense of social responsibility.
Traditional Handicrafts Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the program:
Possess comprehensive knowledge regarding the historical development, theoretical foundations, and cultural values of traditional handicrafts.
Use field-specific materials, tools, equipment, and production techniques safely, correctly, and effectively.
Analyze and evaluate traditional handicraft products from aesthetic, technical, and functional perspectives.
Develop original products by integrating traditional techniques with contemporary design principles.
Conduct research, documentation, preservation, and practical work in the field using scientific methods.
Employ creative thinking, problem-solving, and critical evaluation skills during artistic production processes.
Communicate effectively, assume responsibility, and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration in both individual and team settings.
Act in accordance with professional ethical principles, cultural values, and the concept of sustainability.
Continuously pursue professional development by keeping abreast of national and international advancements in the field.
Effectively apply the knowledge and skills acquired in areas such as education, production, design, cultural heritage work, and the creative industries.
Core Values of the Traditional Handicrafts Program
Respect for cultural heritage and awareness of its preservation
Scientific freedom and academic ethics
Artistic creativity and aesthetic sensibility
Quality-oriented education
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Social responsibility
Sustainability
Inclusivity and collaboration
Lifelong learning
Commitment to universal values and the preservation of local cultural richness
Facilities Offered
Practical classes are held in the Traditional Handicrafts workshops, while foreign language, computer, and other courses are conducted within the Vocational School of Technical Sciences. Our school also provides library, computer area, cafeteria, and canteen services.
Employment Opportunities
The fields of employment for this program can be summarized as follows:
Master instructors at Public Education Centers,
Working in their own handicrafts workshops,
Employment within the Ministry of Culture,
Employment within the Directorate of National Palaces,
Opportunities in carpet manufacturing companies,
Companies specializing in natural stone, copper, and glasswork,
Graduates of this program may also establish their own businesses.
Undergraduate Programs Eligible for Vertical Transfer
Graduates of the Traditional Handicrafts associate degree program (within the Department of Handicrafts) may continue their studies in the following 4-year undergraduate programs, provided they achieve a sufficient score on the Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS) administered annually by the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM):
Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Traditional Turkish Arts – Tile Art specialization
Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Traditional Turkish Arts – Illumination (Tezhip) specialization
Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Traditional Turkish Arts – Carpet Weaving specialization
Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Traditional Turkish Arts – Calligraphy specialization
Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Traditional Turkish Arts – Bookbinding specialization
Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Art and Design / Department of Traditional Turkish Arts
Additionally, graduates of this program may transfer to the following Anadolu University open education undergraduate programs by completing supplementary courses:
Labor Economics and Industrial Relations,
Economics,
Public Administration,
Public Finance,
International Relations,
Business Administration,
Hospitality Management.
Requirements for Graduation from the Program
To graduate from the Traditional Handicrafts Program, the following conditions must be met:
Successfully complete all courses in the curriculum, totaling 120 ECTS credits.
Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00 out of 4.00.
Complete a 30-working-day summer internship (2 ECTS credits).
To register for courses at the beginning of the semester and take the final exam, students must attend at least 70% of the theoretical classes and 80% of the practical sessions. Students are subject to at least one midterm exam and a final exam for each course. The midterm exam contributes 40% to the final grade (scores obtained from assessment tools such as assignments, laboratory exams, quizzes, etc., may also be considered as the midterm grade), while the final exam contributes 60%. All exams are graded out of 100 points. To graduate, a student must complete the 120-ECTS course load and achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
