The Diploma in Media Arts is offered as a 9-semester course (undergraduate, Diploma 1) or as a 4-semester course (postgraduate, Diploma 2). The artistic project studies are interdisciplinary in nature and allow each student a free choice and individual combination of artistic specializations. The Diploma in Media Arts (Diploma 1 or Diploma 2) at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM) is comparable to an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in an international context.

The KHM's doctoral program offers the opportunity to write a philosophical dissertation. The combination of artistic questions and scientific methods should lead to relevant new results in the KHM doctoral program. In accordance with the legislation for art colleges in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the degree awarded is a Dr. phil. in the field of art and media studies, equivalent to a university degree.

Around 400 students are enrolled at the KHM each year, at least a third of whom come from abroad. Around 70 new applicants are accepted each winter semester.

The KHM creates an open and experimental climate for independent artistic work between and around the media. 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 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.

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