Diploma program in Media Arts: When it opened in 1990, the KHM introduced the diploma program in Media Arts. It is offered as a 9-semester program (undergraduate, Diploma 1) or a 4-semester program (postgraduate, Diploma 2). In an international context, it is comparable to an MFA (Master of Fine Arts). It is interdisciplinary in nature: contemporary art media, painting, animation, photography, film, video, performance, sound, or literature, developed with analog, digital, generative, or interactive technologies, can be combined or developed into artistic specializations. The program is supplemented by theoretical and scientific specializations and the option of a philosophical dissertation (Dr. phil. / doctoral program).
The KHM laboratory: Most of the students' work takes place in the KHM's studios and laboratories, which are equipped with high-quality equipment tailored to the diversity of the subject areas taught. The combination of artistic practice with art and media theory discourses, film studies analyses and aesthetic, philosophical and technical questions is also an integral part of the programme, teaching and research.
Guests in courses: KHM does not grant guest student status. Teachers have limited opportunities to admit guests to their seminars upon request. Guests are generally not permitted to participate in courses that use direct funds and/or laboratories, studios, or similar facilities.
Around 400 students are currently enrolled at KHM, at least one third of whom come from abroad. Between 60 and 75 applicants are accepted each winter semester.
Key points about the Media Arts program
Possible artistic specializations (alphabetical and exemplary):
Good opportunities to get to know the KHM are the annual tour (in July) and the information day (in December).
An overview of the various student projects can be found here.
Karin Cordes
Juliane Schwibbert
Claudia Warnecke
Heumarkt 14, 50667 Köln
+49 221 20189 - 194 /119 / 187 / 249
studoffice@khm.de
Opening hours: Mondays + Tuesdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. + Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
For enquiries or appointments, please call us, Mon - Thu 9.30 to 1 p.m., or send us an e-mail.
Summer semester 2025
Lecture period:
Apr. 14, 2025 until Jul. 25, 2025
Winter semester 2025/26
Lecture period:
Oct. 20, 2025 until Feb. 13, 2026