Diploma in Media Arts

The Diploma Program in Media Arts is offered as a nine-semester program (undergraduate, Diploma I) or as a four-semester program (postgraduate, Diploma II). The artistic project studies are interdisciplinary and allow each student the free choice and individual combination of artistic focal points. The Diploma in Media Arts (Diploma I or Diploma II) of the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM) is comparable to an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in an international context.

The doctoral programme at the KHM offers the possibility of a philosophical dissertation. The combination of artistic questions and scientific methods should lead to relevant new results in the doctoral program of the KHM. The degree—in accordance with the legislation for art colleges in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia—is a university-equivalent, i.e. scientific, Dr. phil. in the subject area of art and media studies. The dissertation is to be written in German in the areas of art theory, media theory, experimental IT, film theory, design theory, communications theory, queer studies, globalisation theories.

Deadlines for application
Diploma II: January 18, 2024 (postgraduate course in four semesters)
Diploma I: January 31, 2024 (undergraduate course in nine semesters)
Doctoral programme: individual support

Around 400 students are enrolled at the KHM each year, at least one third of whom come from abroad. 60 to 70 new applicants are accepted each winter semester. Student work takes place in the KHM’s ateliers, studios and labs, which are furnished with high-quality equipment, reflecting the diversity of the areas of teaching. The connection between artistic praxis and art and media theory discourses, film theory analysis as well aesthetic and philosophical questioning is an integral part of the courses, the teaching and the research.  

The range of student projects is wide and interdisciplinary. Examples include animation, feature and documentary films, photographic art, video art, experimental films, websites, internet art, games, sound art and electronic music, art in public space, installations, performances, literary writing, screenplays, TV and Internet formats, live directing and camera works. Students realise up to four of their own projects. In addition they also develop work within the framework of seminars and tutorials, some of which are collective pieces.

See here the application process.