Discussion with mentors, intensive supervision of project work and a variety of optional classes and lectures round off the course and open up additional scope for individualised qualification.

Admission requirements

• General higher-education entrance qualification
• Application documents with conclusive work samples that prove artistic aptitude
• Non German-speaking applicants must prove good knowledge of the German language (Goethe-Institut level B2)
  
  

Application

• Application period: every year from October to the beginning of February
• Courses beginning exclusively in the winter semester
  
  

Semester fees

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

Foundation course (semesters 1-3)

Teaches fundamentals in theory, artistic praxis and some scientific areas.

Course Requirements

• 3 theory seminars in the categories film/art/media
• 5 foundation seminars
• 1 pre-diploma project

Main course (semesters 4-9)

Concentrates on individual artistic emphases, which are primarily anchored in the departments ExMedia, film/television and art.

Course Requirements

• 2 theory seminars
• 5 subject seminars
• 2 projects
• 1 diploma project

Degree

Diploma I / Media and Fine Art The Academy of Media Art Cologne’s diploma is internationally comparable with a MFA (Master of Fine Art).

Discussion with mentors, intensive supervision of project work and a variety of optional classes and lectures round off the postgraduate course and open up additional scope for individualised qualification. Successful application allows direct access to the main study course of the Media and Fine Art diploma course.

Admission requirements

• General or subject-related higher-education entrance qualification
• Degree in a relevant area of study (e.g. art, literature, theatre, film and television, communication design, visual communication, artistic and academic courses, cultural sciences, IT) or proof of at least 2 years work experience in an artistic/design field
• Application with conclusive samples of work that prove artistic aptitude
• Non German-speaking applicants must provide proof of a good knowledge of the German language (Goethe-Institut level B2)
• 
  

Application

• Application period: from the end of October to mid January
• Courses begin exclusively in winter semester

Course Requirements (in 4 semesters)

• 2 theory seminars
• 2 subject seminars
• 1 project
• 1 diploma project

Semester fees

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

Can I make an appointment for a portfolio consultation with a professor?

The KHM does not offer portfolio advice to lecturers. Applicants are encouraged to make their own decisions about the presentation of their artistic work samples.

Can I apply to the KHM without a general university entrance qualification (Abitur)?

Applicants without a general university entrance qualification can apply and be admitted if they have particular artistic aptitude for the Media Arts course at the KHM. This is determined by a commission based on the submitted work samples during the application process.

Can I apply in the year I finish high school?

Yes, this is possible if the semi-annual report is available for the application and the Abitur certificate is submitted at the latest when you enroll.

How important is my average Abitur grade?

The average grade does not play a decisive role. The most important criterion in the selection of applicants is artistic aptitude for the Media Arts course, which is determined by a commission based on the submitted work samples.

How much are the semester fees and what is included?

Currently, contributions of approx. 400 euros per semester are charged. This includes the semester ticket (valid throughout North Rhine-Westphalia on buses, trains and local trains), as well as contributions for the student union and insurance of the equipment in the KHM lending facility.

Can I apply for Diploma 1 and Diploma 2 at the same time?

Since the KHM only offers one course (in two different variants), a double application is not possible, applicants have to decide on an application process.

Can I apply for the Diploma 2 course before I have received my university's diploma?

Yes, this is possible if the application documents are accompanied by a certificate from the current examination office stating that the applicant will complete the course in the course of the next summer semester at the latest.

Can I submit original certificates?

No, only certified copies and, in the case of foreign certificates, additionally translated copies (English or German) can be accepted.

What does the linguistic analysis as a written-analytical treatment of component 1 involve?

The focus of this component of the thematic work is on language, i.e. on the linguistic analysis of the topic in text form.

What is the scope of the project outline (Diploma 2)?

The project outline can be a text (usually two to three pages) or, e.g. in the case of installations, act around a sketch. Explanations can be found in the application documents.

I am interested in two or more areas of specialization in the Diploma 2 course.

Which one should I apply for?

You can only apply for one focus. If, after viewing the work samples, the commission is of the opinion that the applicant is more suitable for a different focus, the application documents will be forwarded to the appropriate commission with his / her consent (see application documents)

Do I have to submit the certificate for German level B 2 when applying?
Not necessarily, but you must provide proof of your current level of German, it should not be below level A2. The B2 certificate must then be submitted at the time of enrolment.

Do I have to take the B2 exam at a Goethe Institute?

The language certificate can also be issued by other language schools, provided that the language tests correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Does the KHM offer language courses for international students?

Yes, German tutorials are offered at the KHM. However, these do not replace language courses with final examinations.

Is there a quota for the admission of international students?

The applications are selected regardless of the nationality of the applicants based on the criterion of artistic suitability for the media arts course.

What support is available for students with impairments or disabilities?

Students can contact the relevant representative at the university for advice on support options during their studies and, if necessary, how to apply for compensation for disadvantages.

When does the enrolment phase begin?

By the end of august the student office will send an email with information on how to pay the semester fees. After payment is received, new students will receive a link to the online portal where they can submit the required documents for enrolment. Shortly before the start of the introductory week, we will arrange an appointment for a short personal meeting.

Do I have to submit certified copies?

Yes, the documents must be uploaded as officially certified photocopies; foreign-language certificates or attestations must be accompanied by a German-language translation, the accuracy of which must be certified by a sworn translator.

Is a membership certificate or insurance card from my health insurance company sufficient?

No, you must inform your health insurance company that you are beginning studies at KHM. They will notify us of your insurance status using the electronic notification procedure. In turn, we confirm the start of your studies digitally with the health insurance company. The sender number for KHM is: H0003741.

What documents do I need if I have private health insurance?

Those with private health insurance require an exemption from the statutory health insurance obligation. This exemption can be issued by any German statutory health insurance fund and will then be sent electronically to KHM.

When do courses start?

It begins with an introductory week in the winter semester. The exact date can be found in your letter of admission.

When do I have to submit a certificate of exmatriculation?

A certificate of exmatriculation must always be submitted if you were already enroled at a university within Germany.

Do I have to fill out the entire enrolment form?

Yes, all of the requested data and facts are important and should be filled in conscientiously.

Do I have to submit my German B2 certificate upon enrolment?

Yes, the B2 certificate must be submitted at the time of enrolment. In exceptional cases and with proof of very good English language skills (IELTS 6.5 level), the certificate may be submitted later, but no later than at the end of the first semester of the Diplom 2 program or the end of the first year of the Diplom 1 program. Please submit an application for this upon enrolment.

Do I have to take the B2 exam at a Goethe-Institut?

The language certificate can also be issued by other language schools as long as the language examinations correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (GeR).

Does the KHM offer language courses for international students?

The KHM offers German tutorials online and in person. Information about these is sent out by email approximately three months before the enrolment period begins. However, these tutorials do not replace language courses that culminate in final examinations.

What support is available for students with impairments or disabilities?

Students can contact the relevant representative at the university for advice on support options during their studies and, if necessary, how to apply for compensation for disadvantages.

Ongoing and completed PhD projects at the KHM.

Academic PhD (Dr. phil.) in Art and Media Studies

• Art theory, media theory, experimental IT, film theory, design theory, communications theory, queer studies, globalisation theories.
• Supervision by/in research collaboration with academically qualified teaching staff.
• Occasional calls for proposals on diverse and changing interdisciplinary topics with subsequent determination of the responsible supervisors in allocated doctoral subjects.

Through the doctoral regulations adopted in 2004, the Academy of Media Arts Cologne offers the possibility to complete a philosophical dissertation in an intensely art-related context. The connection between artistic questioning and scientific/ academic methods in the KHM’s doctoral programme should lead to relevant new findings. In accordance with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia’s art college legislation, the degree awarded is the same as a university degree, i.e. Dr. phil.

The linking of research methods to artistic and media practices in the doctoral project is a prerequisite for admission, a closeness to artistic, media experimentation is desired and encouraged. However, the assessment of the dissertation, in all of its elements, remains an academic one. The KHM does not offer practice-based PhDs.

By allocating the doctoral projects to specific working areas, supervision by the appropriate qualified doctoral teaching staff at the KHM is assured.
The dissertation is to be written in German. No scholarships can be awarded. Support in the writing of funding applications is offered.  

The assignment of the doctoral project to a field of study/specialization is linked to content-related supervision by a KHM lecturer authorized to supervise doctoral students, whose agreement to supervise is a prerequisite for admission to the doctoral program. No recommendations for suitable supervisors are made. Non-specific inquiries addressed to the chair cannot be processed. A catalog with important information on this can be found in the following information sheet. An overview of completed doctoral projects can be found here.

Individual supervision is supplemented by a regular interdisciplinary colloquium with all doctoral students at KHM. Cooperation with colleagues from universities and other artistic-scientific institutions with doctoral programs, in addition to the colloquiums and individually tailored offerings, ensures appropriate scientific support for dissertation projects.

Furthermore, supervision may be provided through/in research collaborations with scientifically qualified faculty members.