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Hochschule Hannover
PhD German + English Social Sciences

Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography

Doctorate

About the Program

The Bachelor’s programme in Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography will open the door to editorial desks, publishing houses, and media companies. We teach multidisciplinary visual skills based on the media of photography and video, focussing on journalistic and documentary narratives. Our graduates work in various fields. Some work as freelance photographers, video journalists, or camera operators, and they finance their freelance documentary projects with scholarships and grants. Others opt for a permanent position after graduation, e.g. as a picture or video editor at a newspaper, curator at a gallery, or multimedia producer at a NGO (non-governmental organisation). We differ from traditional journalism programmes that focus on the visual (e.g. photography, video, and data visualisation). Unlike most photography programmes, we focus on journalistic and documentary storytelling. Because of our bilingual orientation and innovative teaching concepts, such as the educational newsroom, this results in a globally unique programme.
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The Bachelor’s programme in Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography will open the door to editorial desks, publishing houses, and media companies. We teach multidisciplinary visual skills based on the media of photography and video, focussing on journalistic and documentary narratives. Our graduates work in various fields. Some work as freelance photographers, video journalists, or camera operators, and they finance their freelance documentary projects with scholarships and grants. Others opt for a permanent position after graduation, e.g. as a picture or video editor at a newspaper, curator at a gallery, or multimedia producer at a NGO (non-governmental organisation). We differ from traditional journalism programmes that focus on the visual (e.g. photography, video, and data visualisation). Unlike most photography programmes, we focus on journalistic and documentary storytelling. Because of our bilingual orientation and innovative teaching concepts, such as the educational newsroom, this results in a globally unique programme.

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Photography

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography at Hochschule Hannover

Is Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography at Hochschule Hannover taught in German or English?

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

How much does the Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography 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 Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography at Hochschule Hannover?

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German + English), 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 Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography?

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 Hochschule Hannover — 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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