Application Process & Requirements

You will find a detailed rundown of the application procedure including the deadlines (here).
International applicants have to apply via Uni-Assist (www.uni-assist.de/index_en.html) while German degree holders can apply directly at h_da’s Student Service Center.

(a) Artistic requirements: We are generally looking for mature personalities with work experience in the media industry wishing to create highly innovative media formats in above-the-line positions, be it as a writer, director, creative director, lead designer, start-up entrepreneur or chief technical officer. Usually, these people are self-starters and risk-takers with a high degree of initiative, curiosity, and endurance.
For the Expanded Storyworlds focus we are particularly looking for applicants with a background in film (screenwriting, directing, animation) or game design. We will also consider applications from well-rounded personalities from spatial design, advertising, online communication and journalism, as well as in rare cases from the arts (painting, sculpting etc.) All students are expected to be capable of designing digitally (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) as well as audiovisual editing in a digital editing suite (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, etc.)
For the Expanded Realities focus we are looking for applicants with some technical expertise, usually coming from media informatics, game design and interactive media design. All students should be capable of 3D design (e.g. Blender or Maya) and programming in at least one game engine (e.g. Unity or Unreal).
For the Expanded Sound & Music focus our students usually have a background in sound design for film or games, but we will also consider technically gifted students coming from composition and music. All students are expected to be capable of audio editing and sound design in at least one DAW. Knowledge in an interactive audio technology like Max/MSP, wwise or Touchdesigner would be beneficial.
(b) Formal requirements: Requirements for admission to the 3-semester program are a bachelor’s degree or comparable degree consisting of at least 180 CP; admission to the 4-semester program requires a bachelor’s degree or comparable degree consisting of at least 210 CP.

Graduates from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences programs Digital Media, Animation and Games, Interactive Media Design, Motion Pictures, Sound and Music Production, and Online Communication are considered to be eligible for the 3-semester degree.

The Faculty establishes an admissions committee consisting of three professors. The committee assesses the aptitude of each applicant based on the submitted documents and the criteria of the admission regulations. Each applicant is rewarded with points in a weighted system to determine the applicability of the former degree, quality of work experience, letter of interest, etc.
Most weight is given to the quality of the portfolio that should demonstrate artistic taste, voice and vision in as little time as possible. We also look for maturity and a sense of perspective in the letter of interest, as well as basic academic skills and clarity in the research proposal (aka exposé). Proper English language and style always helps.

Yes, you may apply provided that your work experience and portfolio demonstrate that you have self-taught yourself the skills developed in a media degree. As stated above, the entrance examination places extra emphasis on the artistic quality and innovation potential demonstrated in the portfolio, so you may make up for your missing degree; but your work samples will need to be exceedingly good.

Yes.

Yes, you will need to provide proof of English language proficiency of at least level B2 according to the „Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe“, i.e. IELTS certificate with overall band score 5.5 or higher. (unless of course, you are a native speakers from Canada, the United States, Australia or the British Isles or have acquired a university degree in these countries). No medium of instruction certificates (MOI) or other language certificates (Duolingo etc.) are accepted. More information on language cetificates.

Please note that you might not be able to participate in our projects if your English is not up to standard. This may be a very frustrating experience for you and your teammates. It is therefore in your own interest to apply only if you have excellent command of the English language in speech and writing.

The personal statement shows your personal and professional interest and affinity to the topics of this Master’s program whereas the exposé should cover a project in your chosen focus area.

Anything that demonstrates your artistic taste, voice, and vision in as little time as possible. This means that you should have been the driving creative force in the projects. Also, visual or audiovisual works make better use of the reviewer’s time, while longer texts might not be read properly. And of course, anything offering a memorable emotional experience will help you stand out.
A well-designed PDF with screenshots and links to videos (hosted on YouTube or Vimeo) usually works best.

You are welcome to post links to your website, but please specify which works you want us to take a look at.

There is a fee per semester of approximately 292 €. It is however not a tuition fee, but – as in every German university – the so-called „Semesterbeitrag“. It includes benefits, like going to the theatre for free, economically priced meals in our mensa, or using the public transport for free within the whole extended Rhein-Main area.

Besides DAAD – which you should contact in your home country – there might be scholarships available from political NGOs such as Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Heinrich Böll-Stiftung or Friedrich Naumann–Stiftung. Please visit their websites and see whether they might fit you. The universities in Germany do not provide scholarships.

You are allowed to work next to your studies but your monthly working hours and your income are restricted. Also, you will have to search for a job by yourself (the university will not provide you with a job). You can take up part-time work, but you are expected to be present at each class, group work and meeting during the semester, and should always give priority to your studies.

The university cannot offer you any accommodation. We highly recommend to get in touch with student homes and local landlords as early as possible as the real big run will start during the second half of March or September, before the semester starts. As always: first come, first serve.
Here are some suggestions for housing:

Studierendenwerk Darmstadt

Housing Market

There are two student homes adjacent to our Mediacampus in Dieburg:

Student housing

More Student housing

Many students (even those who are not religious or have a non-christian background) like to stay at the catholic student home in Darmstadt:

KHG Student housing

It is wise to stay either in Dieburg, Groß-Umstadt, or Darmstadt (or any other place from where you have a good connection to our Media Campus in Dieburg by train or by bus no. 671, which stops directly in front of our campus). Also, Frankfurt can be an option if you happen to get an accommodation not too far from a local train station.

Darmstadt is a city with many students, so finding a good and affordable room can be tricky. Depending on the size and the location of the room, you should expect a monthly rent between ca. 350 – 450 €.

If you apply for the 4-semester cycle of EM you have to complete an internship. The internship is mandatory and you have to find an appropriate position by yourself. The internship should be done in a company working in a field related to the Expanded Media master’s program.

Whether your internship is paid or not highly depends on the company or institution. Some companies pay between 300 – 400 €, some won´t pay anything at all. You can also do your internship abroad.

Uni-Assist is an institution outside of our university which we have no control over.

In some cases, our Student Service Center (SSC) may be able to help (international@h-da.de). But please only reach out to them after you have tried to solve the issue with Uni-Assist directly. Calling them is usually the best option.

Your place in the program is safe, don’t worry. Just let us and the SSC know and you can join us in the next semester. Please understand that since our program relies on project-based learning in teams, we cannot make exceptions for latecomers to join us later in the semester to safeguard the other student’s learning experience.

For questions regarding the application process please contact the Student Service Center via e-mail (international@h-da.de)

For questions regarding the entrance examination only (!) you can contact Prof. Thorsten Greiner at thorsten.greiner@h-da.de

Yes, you may, if you can convince us that studying in our master’s is a vital and indispensable step to reach your professional goals. Your argument will have to be very convincing.