Study Programmes

Goal of Studies

Media Art and Design at the Faculty of Media is understood as both a cultural and an artistic practice. It identifies decisive instances of communication in the media. The tasks of media design address broad areas of day-to-day culture, in particular in view of the fact that data and information, as well as culture, whether high, pop or trivial culture, circulate around the world.
Accordingly, the dissemination and processing of information is as much a topic of media design as the creation and implementation of fictions, the development of new public realms, communicative spaces and interpersonal frameworks. The approaches of media design are of an artistic, technical, and organisational nature. Media Design at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar derives its special profile from the combination and connection of auditory, visual, event-based, and conceptual issues, in order to gain both artistic and scientific insights.

Occupational Fields 

The fields of activity are located wherever the meaning and self-concept of the media society continue to be defined and where responsible, independent, creative, and critical conceptual creators, designers and decision-makers are in demand. Occupational fields may lie in for example:

· the artistic and cultural application of media
· public relations
· designing programs and products in the entertainment industry
· designing services and user interfaces in the information industry
· the elaboration of media-supported educational systems

Structure of Studies 

The standard duration of study for the Media Art and Design bachelor's programme is six semesters, divided into two phases of study. The introductory study period of two semesters concludes with an intermediate examination. The advanced study period of four semesters then follows. After completing and presenting the Bachelor’s thesis, the Faculty of Media awards the academic degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts as an initial professional degree.

The core element of the course of studies is the project, in which a topic from a practically-oriented field of relevance is addressed in an interdisciplinary manner. The emphasis lies on example-based, problem solving-oriented, conceptual learning and the development of a responsible and consequential manner of thought. The degree program is modular in nature; beyond the mandatory coursework, electives can be chosen from the fields of Media Culture and Computer Science and Media, as well as from other departments at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

External internships and studies abroad are supported and principally recognized.

Application information can be found here.

Goal of Studies

The goal of the Media Art and Design master's programme is to acquire advanced artistic or creative proficiency in skills and knowledge previously gained in a university degree program and/or professional work. It is up to the student to select the areas of emphasis for the degree.

Occupational Fields

Through the specialized practice of advanced artistic and creative techniques and the acquisition of interdisciplinary knowledge, skills, and methods, graduates are prepared to work in creative media occupations and as independent entrepreneurs.

Structure of Studies

The standard duration of study for the Media Art and Design master's programme is four semesters. After completing and presenting the master’s thesis, the Faculty of Media awards the academic degree of Master of Fine Arts as a second professional degree. Partial study abroad is encouraged.

Application information can be found here.

Joint programme of study

The postgraduate “Integrated International Media Art and Design Studies” master's programme of study is a specialised programme from the Master of Art (Literature) programme at Tongji University Shanghai and the Media Art and Design (Master of Fine Arts) programme at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. The programme provides students with a deeper understanding and qualified appreciation of the media landscape and profile in China and in Germany. The cooperation is intended to prepare students for the expanding global market and its implications for media. Correspondingly, graduates can expect to attain a much improved position in the international job market. Successful students qualify with a dual-qualification, a “Master of Arts” (Literature) from the Tongji University Shanghai and a “Master of Fine Arts” (MFA) from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, two separate qualifications each with their own certificate.

Structure of Studies

The standard duration of study for the joint programme of study is four semesters for students at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Students spend the first semester at their home university. Semesters 2 and 3 are spent as an exchange student at the partner university (i.e. in China for German students, in Germany for Chinese students). The 4th semester is reserved for the master's thesis and is undertaken at the home university. All academic activities, including all oral and written work, must be undertaken in German or in English. The master's thesis is usually written and presented in the mother tongue or in English. A summary must be provided in Chinese, English and German languages. Participants must be proficient in Chinese or in English. Proof of language proficiency should be provided. Chinese language courses are an integral part of studies at the partner university. They serve to assist the integration of the students during the exchange period and to deepen understanding for the partner country. Students will be monitored and assisted by the head of the programme of study, the international offices of the respective universities and by student mentors.

Grant funding

Grant funding for the “Integrated International Media Art and Design Studies (Master) / IIMDS (M)” is available from the DAAD German Academic Exchange Service as part of the ISAP partner scholarship programme. Support is available for travel, health insurance and a monthly contribution to the cost of living. The funding duration is 11 months and covers two semesters spent abroad. For further information see the DAAD homepage.

Application information can be found here.