The KHM’s doctoral programme
The Academy of Media Arts Cologne offers students, through doctoral regulations adopted in 2004, the possibility to complete philosophical dissertations. In accordance with recently passed state legislation for art schools in NRW, graduates are awarded doctorates with an academic focus and of a level equivalent to a university degree (Dr. phil.). A connection to artistic practise is prerequisite to admission for this degree and proximity to artistic experimentation is sought after. The assessment of the dissertation remains, though, in all its elements, an academic one. However, research approaches that pursue new forms of questioning exposed by artistic and media practise, which are otherwise not evident in an academic context, are encouraged. At many universities, it remains a problem to this day to gain admission on a doctorate programme with an arts degree. The connection between artistic questioning and scientific methods in particular should lead to outstanding new results in the KHM’s doctoral programme. The doctoral disciplines on offer are design studies, experimental computer science, film studies, communication studies, art studies and media studies. Thematic supervision, relating to this classification, is carried out by the doctoral teaching staff at the KHM. This individual supervision is supplemented by a regular interdisciplinary colloquium, which promotes cooperative exchange with academics and doctoral students from other institutes.
Alongside the possibility of admission on an individual basis - with the consent of the doctoral teaching staff -, the KHM annually invites (since the winter semester of 2009) applications to a doctoral programme with an evolving conceptual and thematic focus: in its first form this was ‘Artefacts’, as of this year it is ‘Technologies of aesthetics and the arts’. The doctoral project should be based on an innovative reflection of the interfaces between arts, sciences and technologies. This thematic orientation, in its openness to diverse thematic links between the arts and the sciences, is complemented by interdisciplinary supervision.
These additional annual calls for application should mean that, in the medium-term, around seven to ten doctoral students join the doctoral programme every year. Cooperation with colleagues from universities and other artistic-scientific institutions, as well as colloquia and additional, individually tailored activities, ensures that doctoral projects have an appropriate academic background. Work with an emphasis on the inclusion of specific artistic/design experiments and practises in decidedly science-oriented projects should still be strived for. In the current period of change towards a diverse range of PhD programmes, doctorates in the arts and cooperative relationships with universities, this academic programme leading to the title of Dr. phil. represents a rare and distinguishing feature of the KHM.
The doctoral thesis must be written in German. Unfortunately no scholarships can be awarded.
Please note that – as an exception - there will be no call for applications in 2012!
Contact:
Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln
Doctoral Programme
Heidrun Hertell,
Peter-Welter-Platz 2,
D-50676 Köln
Phone: 0049 (0)221 - 20189 – 130
Email: wissenschaftkhmde