English 
Deutsch Who is suitable for the Bachelor's degree programme in Design, Art and Media?
The Bachelor's degree programme in "Design, Art and Media" is aimed at creative minds who want to develop or deepen their design, artistic, and media-related skills. You are in the target group if you want to engage intensively with artistic work, media design, or communication and have an interest in various media forms such as photography, video, text, design, social media, or coding. Applicants with an international school leaving certificate who work artistically and aim to study at a state-recognised university in Germany will also find a suitable offer here.
What formal requirements must you meet?
For admission to the Bachelor's degree programme, you need:
- general university entrance qualification (A levels) or
- vocational baccalaureate or
- equivalent professional qualifications in accordance with the laws of the state of Baden-Württemberg.
- Applicants with a foreign school leaving certificate: recognition of the university entrance qualification by the Studienkolleg Konstanz as well as proof of German language skills at least at B2 level (DSH or TestDaF, also possible as a combined certificate).
- Complete application documents: certified copy of certificates, tabular CV, letter of motivation, passport photo, proof of a study orientation test (e.g. what-should-i-study.de).
- Successful participation in an aptitude interview including presentation of a pre-prepared task and additional artistic work samples. The selection of media for work samples is free.
You should bring an interest in artistic design, media, and design as well as basic communication skills. Creativity, self-motivation, willingness to work independently, and openness to interdisciplinary approaches are advantageous. While initial experiences in creative projects, portfolio work, or design activities facilitate entry, they are not mandatory. Taking initiative and the ability to develop further with feedback support your academic success.
What content does the Bachelor of Design, Art, and Media at the Merz Academy convey?
In the Design, Art, and Media programme, you will acquire in-depth knowledge in artistic, design, and media-related disciplines. The content combines theory and practice, allowing you to set your own priorities – for example, in the areas of Film and Video, New Media, or Visual Communication. You will combine design techniques, artistic expressions, and knowledge of media technologies with questions from the humanities. The programme places a special focus on:
- Design and Design: Graphic Design, Interface Design, Illustration, Photography
- Art and Media Production: Film and Video Art, New Media, AR/VR/3D Applications
- Concepts and Theories: Academic Work, Media Theory, Subject and Discourse Knowledge
- Project Work: Development and Implementation of your own media projects with an individual handwriting
- Practical Orientation: An integrated practical semester enables the transfer to professional life, either in Germany or abroad
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Combination and emphasis within the study areas
You will learn to independently develop creative projects, critically reflect on media, and implement them in a practical way. Communication skills, research competence, and interdisciplinary thinking are specifically promoted.
How is the process and study structure designed?
The programme is designed for seven semesters and concludes with a Bachelor of Arts degree. The structure is designed to closely interweave theory, applied design, and professional practice. Important elements include:
- Individual focus selection: Combine the areas of Film and Video, New Media, and Visual Communication, or deepen your focus
- Small groups: Personal contact with the lecturers and individual support through manageable group sizes
- Internship: Mandatory practical part in the professional world, also possible abroad
- Internationalisation: Possibility for a semester abroad with partner universities; international guest lecturers on campus
- Start of studies: Start of studies possible in either the summer or winter semester
The programme promotes an experimental learning atmosphere, supported by modern technical equipment. Theory and practical components are evenly distributed. The curriculum includes both project-oriented and scientifically-theoretical modules and concludes with a Bachelor's thesis.
What career opportunities does a degree in Design, Art, and Media offer you?
Graduates of the programme work in various fields of the creative and media industries. Typical activities and positions include:
- App Development and Software Management
- Authors and Content Creators
- Crossmedia Management and Media Consulting
- Frontend Development and Interface Design
- Game Design and AR/VR Applications
- Marketing Communication Management
- Editing, Directing, and TV Production
- Senior Art Direction and Graphic Design
- UI/UX Design
- Media and Cultural Studies
- Academic careers, e.g. Professorship
With practical training and the choice of individual focuses, you are qualified for creative professional practice in traditional media houses, agencies, cultural economy, or the start-up environment. Internationalisation also facilitates entry into international job markets.
What costs and financing options do you need to consider?
Merz Academy charges a monthly tuition fee of €479 for the Bachelor's programme.
Various financing options are available for funding your studies:
- Support through BAföG for German students
- Scholarship programmes from foundations and Merz Academy
- Educational loans from KfW and other providers
- Part-time jobs and student assistant positions
Tax deductibility and employer sponsorship are additional options. Additional funding and scholarships may be available for the practical and international semester.
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