Diploma in Media Arts

The Diploma in Media Arts is offered as a nine-semester course (undergraduate, Diploma I) or as a four-semester course (postgraduate, Diploma II). The artistic project studies are interdisciplinary in nature and allow each student a free choice and individual combination of artistic specializations. The focus of the diploma program is on the individual development of artistic projects, in which students are supervised and supported by professors, artistic-scientific and technical staff across disciplines. 
Student work takes place in the studios and laboratories of the KHM, which have high-quality equipment geared towards the diversity of the teaching areas. The combination of artistic practice with discourses on art and media theory, film studies analysis and aesthetic, philosophical and technical issues is also an integral part of the course, teaching and research.

The Diploma in Media Arts (Diploma I or Diploma II) at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM) is comparable to an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in an international context.
 
The transdisciplinary approach in teaching and research, the continuous cooperation with universities in Germany and abroad, with cultural institutions, festivals, exhibition organizers and the media and film industry pave the way for networks and activities in which students, doctoral candidates and fellows work after graduation: For example, successfully working as freelance or collective artists, programmers, film directors, cameramen and camerawomen, screenwriters, designers, producers or as other independent business founders. A considerable number of them now pass on their expertise as university lecturers.

The following study emphases are only a sample of those available and are listed alphabetically: Animation / 3D animation, Image design / Camera, Experimental Film, Experimental computer science / Net art, Sound art / Sound, Artistic photography, Art and media studies / Queer studies, Multispecies storytelling, Video Art / Performance, Public Art, Literary Writing / Screenwriting, Directing for feature films and documentaries.

More information on applying and studying at the digital info day on December 4, from 10am. with Zoom meetings spread throughout the day. FAQs about studying see here, or ask via: studoffice [​at​] khm.de

Applicants to the nine-semester course (1) are asked to interpret a given theme in artistic and written work. The Abitur (or an equivalent school-leaving certificate) is prerequisite. Applicants without a relevant school-leaving certificate can be accepted if the commission takes the view, based on the submitted documents, that they are especially suitable to take on study at the KHM.
Application deadline for Diploma I: February 6, 2025

A project proposal is to be prepared for application to the four-semester course (2). The formal admission prerequisite is a higher-education degree in a relevant area of study. This could include courses in art/design as well as theatre, film and television theory, literature, art and cultural sciences as well as IT and engineering sciences. Admission requirements for applicants who have no higher-education degree is the general higher-education entrance qualification and at least two years of work experience in an artistic/design field.
Application deadline for Diploma II: January 23, 2025

The semester fees for German and international students are approx. 415 Euro per semester (for social security contributions, public transport semester ticket etc.)