The Intensive Programme in Manuscript Arts
The Intensive Programme at the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation in Fujairah is an exceptional year-long artistic and cultural journey, where participants immerse themselves in the traditional arts inspired by Islamic and historical Arabic manuscripts.
The programme consists of five core modules:
Arabic Calligraphyparticipants can choose between Thuluth or Naskh script.
Geometric Ornamentation..
Floral Ornamentation and Gilding.
Nature Drawing and Painting:taught with both traditional and scientific methods using watercolours.
Elective Modules:including Miniature Painting (Indian and Persian styles), and traditional bookbinding and stitching.
All modules are taught by highly experienced experts in their fields, in a learning environment that combines technical skill with deep cultural knowledge.
Total teaching hours: 460, equivalent to 30 academic credits.
Study Trips To enrich the experience, participants will enjoy fully funded cultural study trips designed to explore Islamic arts in their architectural and historical contexts. These trips will include artistic tours and workshops with professional experts:
The first trip will take place during the first semester to Egypt.
The second trip will be after the first semester to Uzbekistan. إلى جمهورية أوزبكستان.
The School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation presents a year-long intensive programme designed to introduce participants to the traditional arts of the book, encompassing calligraphy, ornamentation, gilding, miniature painting, and bookbinding crafts. This programme serves as a gateway into the world of traditional arts, particularly Islamic arts, while providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of all the stages required to produce a beautiful, traditional manuscript.
Why join this programme?
- Discover traditional manuscripts and learn how to produce your own.
- Develop artistic skills in traditional arts.
- Gain a deep understanding of Islamic visual language and apply it in your designs.
- Build a strong portfolio that helps you stand out professionally.
Programme Objectives
- Equip participants with specialised artistic skills to revive and develop Islamic manuscript arts.
- Provide theoretical and historical knowledge of Islamic book arts and their cultural contexts.
- Enable participants to build independent artistic practices rooted in tradition yet renewed in presentation.
- Encourage artistic and research output through integrated projects and critical essays, published in the School’s platforms.
Important Dates
Application Deadline:
30 August 2025
Programme Start Date:
15 September 2025
Programme End Date:
26 June 2026
(includes official holidays and breaks)
Post-programme activities:
July–August 2026 dedicated to research and final projects.
Research Paper Submission: 23–25 October 2026, within the 3rd Fujairah International Conference of Calligraphy & Ornamentation (upon acceptance).
Graduation Exhibition: showcasing participants’ works (date to be announced).
Countdown to start:
Tuition & Scholarships
- The programme is free for Emirati citizens who are accepted under designated scholarships.
- Limited places avalible A total of 12 full scholarships are available Scholarships cover all tuition fees, study trips abroad
- 8 for UAE nationals
- 2 for GCC nationals
- 2 for UAE residents
- Scholarships cover the cost of required art materials. required art materials.
Note:: A refundable security deposit of AED 9,000 must be paid upon acceptance and will be returned at the end of the programme upon full attendance and completion of requirements.
Admission Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree (in any field).
- Art portfolio showcasing previous artistic or design experience.
- Successful completion of a personal interview with the admissions committee.
- تقديم مبلغ تأمين قدره 3,000 درهم إماراتي يُسترد بالكامل عند إكمال البرنامج.
- Minimum 90% attendance 90is required to maintain the scholarship and refund eligibility..
Programme Structure
The programme is built around three main pillars:
- Artistic Practice Hands-on workshops led by professional artists to develop experimental projects and a comprehensive portfolio.
- Theoretical Studies in-depth exploration of history, theory, and contemporary debates, culminating in an individual critical thesis.
Professional Development: refining skills for presenting, documenting, and exhibiting works, and building a clear professional strategy.
Course Requirements
- Studio Journal: To document the artistic process and visual thinking, including stages of work and project development.
- Assessment Components: Encompassing artistic assignments, research tasks, and final projects.
- Analytical Essay/Research Paper: To be published on the school’s blog or journal, or presented during the Annual International Conference.
- Completed Projects: Representing the outcome of each course module.
Note: A minimum attendance rate of 90% is required to maintain eligibility for the free programme.
ogramme Components and Intended Outcomes
Programme Component | Key Outcomes and Focus Areas |
Artistic Practice | Development of experimental, material-based works and the creation of a comprehensive artistic portfolio. |
Critical Thesis | Formulation of an individual theoretical framework, articulated in a thesis that supports conceptual practice. |
Mid-term Review & Mentorship | Group and individual critique sessions to enhance critical thinking and ensure continuous improvement. |
Professional Practice | Mastery of exhibition organisation, curatorial writing, and professional presentation of artworks. |
Final Exhibition | Coordination of a public exhibition that showcases works within a studied artistic and cultural context. |
Programme Outcomes
- Professional engagement in the field of Islamic arts and manuscript studies.
- Ownership of a comprehensive portfolio and a clear professional exhibition strategy.
- Confidence to participate in exhibitions, collaborative projects, and independent initiatives.
- Production of publishable artistic and research outputs that balance authenticity with innovation.
- Preservation and revival of traditional arts through learning the language of Islamic crafts and applying their techniques in contemporary contexts.
الجدول الدراسي في التفصيل
- يمكنك تحميل الجدول الدراسي للفصل الدراسي الاول بتفاصيل الاوقات والايام للجدول مع خط الثلث من هناك:
- يمكنك تحميل الجدول الدراسي للفصل الدراسي الاول بتفاصيل الاوقات والايام للجدول مع خط النسخ من هناك:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the admission requirements for this programme?
A Bachelor’s degree (in any field).
Art portfolio showcasing previous artistic or design experience.
Successful completion of a personal interview with the admissions committee.
تقديم مبلغ تأمين قدره 3,000 درهم إماراتي يُسترد بالكامل عند إكمال البرنامج.
A minimum attendance of 90% throughout the programme to remain eligible for the scholarship and deposit refund.
Eligible age group for the programme?
20 to 50 years old.
When does the programme start?
The programme begins on Monday, 15 September 2025.
When does the programme end?
The programme ends on Thursday, 26 June 2026, followed by a dedicated period for research and artistic projects in July and August.
What are the programme timings?
From 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM (detailed schedule attached).
How many days per week is the programme held?
Four days per week.
Which days are classes held?
On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and selected Sundays (as outlined in the schedule).
Is the programme in-person or online?
The programme is conducted in-person, and attendance is mandatory to receive certification.
Where will the programme take place?
At the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation in Fujairah, Al Taif Business Centre, 17th floor.
Is the programme theoretical or practical?
It is primarily practical, focusing on hands-on training in traditional skills, complemented by a theoretical component for research and writing.
What is the required attendance rate?
A minimum of 90%.
Can I enrol in just one course or a single monthly workshop?
If you cannot commit to the full programme, you may register for short-term courses instead.
Who will be teaching?
A distinguished group of local and international artists and experts.
What are the programme fees?
The programme is free of charge, but participants are carefully selected.
Are materials included?
Yes, all tools and artistic materials required during classes are included.
Is the annual trip included?
yes
Are there any additional payments?
A deposit of AED 3,000 is required after acceptance, which is fully refunded upon successful completion of the programme.
What type of certificate will I receive?
A certificate from the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation and the Fujairah Academy of Fine Arts, listing completed courses and projects, along with a British CPD professional development certificate.
School Address
مركز أعمال الطيف مول – الطابق ١٧ – مركز مدينة الفجيرة – الفجيرة