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Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln
Other German Arts & Design

DokumentarfilmDocumentary Film

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About the Program

The Documentary Film program teaches knowledge and methods of contemporary and past documentary practices. Students are enabled to independently find topics and materials, develop them to project maturity, produce and complete them under the best possible conditions. These projects aim at unformatted documentary films characterized by the author's signature. In addition, during the main study period, information about formatted documentary film slots, series and television series is provided in close cooperation with editors and producers. The program begins with a basic seminar covering documentary film history and related methods through exemplary examples. Practical modules introduce and train research and interview techniques. Two practice films are created: the first exercises the documentarian's reaction to a selected and researched event through video, camera and sound; the second observes and records a repetitive activity such as a work process or recurring event. The main study period includes regular specialized seminars on various documentary forms and practices, covering topics such as film and television essays, long-term observations, mixed forms, TV features, children's documentary films, found footage, and historical representation in film. Additional seminars cover documentary film production, interview and research techniques, camera work, and editing. A diploma colloquium discusses final projects from conception through filming to editing and post-production.
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The Documentary Film program teaches knowledge and methods of contemporary and past documentary practices. Students are enabled to independently find topics and materials, develop them to project maturity, produce and complete them under the best possible conditions. These projects aim at unformatted documentary films characterized by the author's signature. In addition, during the main study period, information about formatted documentary film slots, series and television series is provided in close cooperation with editors and producers. The program begins with a basic seminar covering documentary film history and related methods through exemplary examples. Practical modules introduce and train research and interview techniques. Two practice films are created: the first exercises the documentarian's reaction to a selected and researched event through video, camera and sound; the second observes and records a repetitive activity such as a work process or recurring event. The main study period includes regular specialized seminars on various documentary forms and practices, covering topics such as film and television essays, long-term observations, mixed forms, TV features, children's documentary films, found footage, and historical representation in film. Additional seminars cover documentary film production, interview and research techniques, camera work, and editing. A diploma colloquium discusses final projects from conception through filming to editing and post-production.

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Documentary Film

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Dokumentarfilm at Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln

Is Dokumentarfilm at Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln taught in German or English?

This Other programme is taught in German. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Dokumentarfilm programme cost?

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Dokumentarfilm at Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln?

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Dokumentarfilm?

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln — directly or via uni-assist?

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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