The Diploma Program in Media Arts is offered as a 9-semester program (undergraduate, Diploma 1) or as a 4-semester program (postgraduate, Diploma 2). 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 (Diplom 1 or Diplom 2) 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.

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, light art, screenplays, hybrid designs, 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.

The transdisciplinary approach in teaching and research, the continuous cooperation with domestic and foreign universities, with cultural institutions, festivals, exhibition makers as well as the media and film industry prepare the ground for networks and activities in which students, doctoral candidates and fellows work after graduation: For example, successfully as freelance or collectively creating artists, programmers, film directors, cinematographers, screenwriters, designers, producers or as other independent business founders. A considerable number of them now pass on their expertise as university lecturers.

More about the application and its requirements can be found here!