Filmkulturen – Extended Cinema, M.A.

Students in the Master’s programme will study film as it relates to all forms of moving audiovision. The programme begins by examining the feature film and extends to the storage, processing and transmission of images using various analogue and digital techniques, formats, genres and motifs. Formatting and re-formatting, implementation, uses, applications and appropriations experienced by audiovision in its navigation between various aesthetic and existential contexts are also topics addressed in the programme.

In the first two semesters, students focus on two major »Filmkulturen – Extended Cinema« project modules: a general film cultures module and an elective module from the Media Studies Master’s degree programme. In the third semester, students establish and develop a content-related specialisation of their choice from either Media Studies, Cultural Studies or Film Cultures. The final semester is dedicated to writing the Master’s thesis. After a successful thesis defence, students graduate from the university with a Master of Arts degree in Media Studies with a focus on »Filmkulturen – Extended Cinema«.

Modelled on the Bauhaus traditions, the faculty offers project-based courses of study: A combination of lectures and small-group seminars allow students to study content-related focal points in depth. Students may choose courses offered by our departments and can organise their timetables individually. A term at one of our partner universities is possible and strongly encouraged.

The prerequisite for programme is a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies/Medienkultur with an above average final grade or a university degree recognised by the examination committee responsible for the subject.

The relevance of cultural studies, media studies and other programmes related to media is determined on a case-by-case basis. Alternatively, the examination committee may determine any additional requirements. In these cases, there is no guarantee of admission.

Letter of Motivation

A letter of motivation (approximately 3-4 pages) must be included with the application. This letter of motivation should include an overview of the applicant’s previous academic and professional/practical education, such as media-related projects, internships, study experiences abroad, academic extracurriculars and/or other academic activities. Proof of these activities must be included in the application. Additionally, individual future research goals should be presented with reference to focal points of the degree programme.

Application Deadline for the Winter Semester: 30 September of the current year

Application Deadline for the Summer Semester: 31 March of the current year

Matriculation Deadline for the Winter Semester: 30 September of the current year

Matriculation Deadline for the Summer Semester: 31 March of the current year

Online Application

The Master’s degree programme qualifies graduates for further (media/historical) research and for further academic qualification through a doctoral or PhD programme. 

The »Filmkulturen – Extended Cinema« degree programme also provides graduates with access to prospective careers in fields where film, all forms of moving image, image-related and image-based knowledge, as well as image competence and multi-perspective cultural competences are especially important. This includes mediation work at museums and educational institutions, curatorial and editorial work, advisory and entrepreneurial positions, conceptual, planning and implementation work at cultural institutions and festivals, NGOs, cultural administration and policy-making, public relations and new forms of photojournalism.

The university’s Career Services can help advise you on more opportunities after graduation.