Silpakorn University

Silpakorn University (SU) is a national university in Thailand that was established in Bangkok in 1943 by the Italian sculptor, Corrado Feroci, who was later naturalized as a Thai citizen and took the Thai name Silpa Bhirasri. Originally founded as the School of Fine Arts, SU has now expanded to include faculties in a variety of fields, including architecture, science, music, and engineering.

The university’s mission is to provide quality education and research that contributes to the development of Thai society and the preservation of the country’s rich cultural heritage. SU’s values are centered around creativity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of education and research. Its emblem, Ganesha, symbolizes the arts and crafts, while the university tree is the chan tree.

Campus

Silpakorn University has several campuses located in different regions of Thailand. The original Tha Phra Palace campus is situated on a small section of Rattanakosin Island in Bangkok, opposite the Grand Palace, and covers an area of 8 rai. This campus houses the Faculty of Painting and Sculpture, the Faculty of Decorative Arts, and the Faculty of Archaeology. The Sanam Chandra Palace campus, located in Nakhon Pathom Province, was established in 1966 and includes the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, and the Faculty of Music.

In 1997, Silpakorn University opened its Phetchaburi Information Technology Campus in Phetchaburi Province, which now houses the Faculty of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Technology, the Faculty of Management Science, the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, and Silpakorn University International College.

All of the campuses of Silpakorn University have modern facilities, including lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities. Each campus has its own unique character, and students can experience a diverse range of cultural and social activities on and off-campus.

Academics

Silpakorn University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study. The university’s academic faculties include:

• Faculty of Painting and Sculpture
• Faculty of Decorative Arts
• Faculty of Archaeology
• Faculty of Thai Architecture (now Faculty of Architecture)
• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology
• Faculty of Music
• Faculty of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Technology
• Faculty of Management Science
• Faculty of Information and Communication Technology
• Silpakorn University International College

Silpakorn University is particularly well-known for its arts programs, including painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. However, the university also has a strong reputation for its programs in architecture, science, engineering, and music.

In addition to its traditional academic programs, Silpakorn University offers continuing education programs for working professionals, as well as international programs for international students. The university also places a strong emphasis on research, with a number of research centers and institutes dedicated to various fields of study.

Management

Silpakorn University is governed by a board of directors, which is responsible for setting policies and overseeing the overall management of the university. The board of directors is composed of members from various sectors, including government officials, academics, and industry leaders. The university is also led by a president, who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the university and implementing the policies set by the board of directors.

Each faculty at Silpakorn University has a dean, who is responsible for the management of their respective faculties. The deans are responsible for overseeing the academic programs and research activities within their faculties, as well as managing the faculty’s budget and resources. The university also has a number of administrative departments, including finance, human resources, and student affairs, which are responsible for providing support services to the faculty and students.

Silpakorn University places a strong emphasis on academic freedom and encourages faculty members and students to pursue their academic and research interests. The university also places a strong emphasis on social responsibility, with a focus on promoting Thai culture and arts and contributing to the development of society.

Admission

Admission to Silpakorn University is highly competitive, with a large number of applicants vying for a limited number of spots each year. The university accepts both Thai and international students, with separate admission procedures for each.

For Thai students, admission is based on their performance in the Thai University Central Admission System (TCAS), which is a standardized exam administered by the Thai Ministry of Education. Students must also meet specific academic and language requirements, depending on the program they are applying to.

For international students, admission is based on a combination of academic achievement and language proficiency. Students must provide transcripts showing their academic performance in their previous studies, as well as proof of English proficiency, either through standardized tests or previous academic experience in an English-speaking environment.

Silpakorn University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including fine arts, architecture, archaeology, music, science, and engineering. Prospective students are encouraged to research the specific requirements for their desired program and contact the university’s admissions office for further information.

Achievement

Silpakorn University has achieved numerous accolades and accomplishments since its founding in 1943. Some of its notable achievements include:

• International rankings: Silpakorn University consistently ranks highly in international university rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2022, it was ranked 401-450 in the world and 6th in Thailand.
• Research excellence: Silpakorn University is recognized for its research excellence in various fields, including art, architecture, and archaeology. It has received numerous research grants and awards from national and international organizations.
• Art and cultural exhibitions: Silpakorn University hosts many art and cultural exhibitions, showcasing the works of its faculty and students. Its art galleries, including the Art Centre and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, are popular cultural destinations for both locals and tourists.
• Partnerships and collaborations: Silpakorn University has established partnerships and collaborations with many universities and institutions worldwide. It is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) and the International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD).
• Alumni achievements: Silpakorn University has produced many successful alumni who have achieved national and international recognition in various fields, including art, architecture, and music. Some notable alumni include Chalermchai Kositpipat, a renowned Thai artist known for his mural paintings, and Kriangkrai Vachiratamporn, a famous Thai composer and conductor.

Overall, Silpakorn University has made significant contributions to Thailand’s education system and cultural landscape, and its achievements reflect its commitment to excellence in arts, sciences, and humanities.