Film Journalism encompasses reports and documentaries, both in online formats and on linear television. It therefore includes a variety of formats, content and design options. The main aim of our practical-oriented course of study is to be able to cast complex issues in a professional film.
We ask questions without already knowing the answers in detail.
We achieve neutrality by listening to all sides of a topic.
Ultimately, the aim is to share our findings with society and reach as many viewers as possible.
Film Journalism is particularly interesting for anyone who wants to build on their specialised knowledge from their first degree. If you already have a bachelor's degree or an undergraduate diploma in a humanities, social or natural science subject, you can apply for our postgraduate diploma course. The basics of film work are taught in the first semester.
At the end of the programme, the aim is for bright, cinematically adept and experienced minds to leave our Filmakademie with the journalistic aplomb to hold their own in their professional life in the long term. During the study programme, students produce a series of their own films, from a joint project to a long diploma film at the end of the course of study. The knowledge and skills are taught in seminars by experienced lecturers from the fields of production and editing, as well as by authors and directors, and supplemented by contact with heads of the study programme and an excursion.
The undergraduate studies are embedded in the general courses on documentary formats. Department-specific courses in Film Journalism begin in the graduate studies stage.
First year: Undergraduate studies
The first year of undergraduate studies is analogue to the first year of general studies at the Filmakademie (see course of studies).
Second year: Undergraduate studies
The second year of undergraduate studies is analogue to the second year of general studies at the Filmakademie (see course of studies).
Third year / Postgraduate diploma course 1
In the winter semester of the postgraduate diploma course, all students are taught the basics of creating their own contributions. The aim is to give students with different levels of prior knowledge a good grounding in the basics.
The first film is created, a joint production on a given topic, which can be freely designed. In the summer semester, the theoretical content is significantly reduced. This is replaced by networking and the first independent film with individual supervision by the lecturers.
Fourth year / Postgraduate Diploma Course 2
In the winter semester, only courses are offered, which alternate in the curriculum and usually comprise two to three seminars. The focus is on a 20- to 30-minute film with individual supervision and the initial ideas for the diploma film. The latter requires a certain amount of preparation if, as is very often the case, a co-operation with a broadcaster is desired.
By the beginning of the summer semester at the latest, the diploma film with a length of 30 to 45 minutes can be prepared. In the case of co-operation with a broadcaster, it is also possible and often desirable for the diploma film to be longer.
Diploma project
At the end of the summer semester, the diploma film is usually not yet finalised. It is therefore possible to work on it for a further semester. The deadline is the last working day in February, the diploma examination takes place in March or April, either after four and a half years of undergraduate and graduate studies, plus a mobility year or two and a half years in a postgraduate diploma course.
Undergraduate studies
First year: Undergraduate studies
The first year of undergraduate studies is analogue to the first year of general studies at the Filmakademie (see course of studies).
Undergraduate studies
Second year: Undergraduate studies
The second year of undergraduate studies is analogue to the second year of general studies at the Filmakademie (see course of studies).
Graduate studies
Third year / Postgraduate diploma course 1
In the winter semester of the postgraduate diploma course, all students are taught the basics of creating their own contributions. The aim is to give students with different levels of prior knowledge a good grounding in the basics.
The first film is created, a joint production on a given topic, which can be freely designed. In the summer semester, the theoretical content is significantly reduced. This is replaced by networking and the first independent film with individual supervision by the lecturers.
Graduate studies
Fourth year / Postgraduate Diploma Course 2
In the winter semester, only courses are offered, which alternate in the curriculum and usually comprise two to three seminars. The focus is on a 20- to 30-minute film with individual supervision and the initial ideas for the diploma film. The latter requires a certain amount of preparation if, as is very often the case, a co-operation with a broadcaster is desired.
By the beginning of the summer semester at the latest, the diploma film with a length of 30 to 45 minutes can be prepared. In the case of co-operation with a broadcaster, it is also possible and often desirable for the diploma film to be longer.
Diploma stage
Diploma project
At the end of the summer semester, the diploma film is usually not yet finalised. It is therefore possible to work on it for a further semester. The deadline is the last working day in February, the diploma examination takes place in March or April, either after four and a half years of undergraduate and graduate studies, plus a mobility year or two and a half years in a postgraduate diploma course.
The lecturers in the Film Journalism department all work for or in broadcasting organisations.
The Film Journalism study programme has a deliberately practical focus. The basics of journalistic work are taught, as well as filming in general, but each film brings with it different issues that are dealt with individually. This is why we focus on individual supervision and not just on theory.
