Photography/Media, Bachelor of Fine Arts

Who is the Bachelor's Degree in Photography/Media Art Suitable For?

The Photography/Media Art degree programme at the Hochschule der bildenden Künste Essen is aimed at applicants who have a strong interest in artistic forms of expression in the fields of photography, media art, and multimedia installations. The course is especially suitable for people who want to develop their own artistic perspective, experiment, and pursue an interdisciplinary approach. Prior knowledge of artistic design techniques is helpful but not mandatory. The target group includes creative school graduates as well as career changers with special artistic talent who wish to deepen their practical and theoretical skills in photography, film, artistic spatial work, and digital media.

What Admission Requirements Apply?

Admission to the Bachelor's degree programme in Photography/Media Art (B.F.A.) at HBK Essen is granted through a multi-stage process. The following formal requirements must be met:

• Proof of university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, advanced technical college entrance qualification or equivalent qualification)
• Tabular CV
• Submission of an artistic portfolio with own work samples (the portfolio is decisive for assessing artistic suitability)

The portfolio can be submitted at any time, either in person, by post, or digitally. After examination by the professors, applicants will receive feedback on the result promptly. Detailed requirements for the portfolio are described in an application guide provided by the university.

The personal requirements include:

• Creativity and motivation to develop one's own artistic positions
• Willingness to experiment and openness to innovative media and methods
• Independence as well as readiness for continuous development
• Basic interest in exchange with different artistic disciplines and ability to work in a team
• No mandatory prior specialist knowledge required, but enjoyment of artistic work is important

What do you learn in the Bachelor's degree in Photography/Media Art?

In the Photography/Media Art degree programme (Bachelor of Fine Arts) at the University of Fine Arts Essen, you develop your own artistic position. You engage with classical and digital photography techniques, film, and media art. In doing so, you acquire skills in artistic design and intentionally stage media.

• Classical and digital photography: You learn image composition, analogue and digital techniques, as well as the historical development of photography.
• Spatially related work: The course teaches you how installations are conceived and artistically staged.
• Interdisciplinary design: You work on projects in the field of tension between painting, graphics, photography, and digitalisation.
• Performance and media art: You develop your own media performances and practically implement multimedia installations.
• Art scientific fundamentals: Seminars and lectures provide you with the theoretical foundation for your artistic work.
• Professionalisation: During the course, you acquire competencies in exhibition management and media communication.

How is the course structured?

The Bachelor's degree in Photography/Media Art lasts 7 semesters full-time and can optionally be studied part-time over 11 semesters. You start each time in the summer semester (April) or winter semester (October). The course is practice-oriented and theory-based.

• Start of studies: Choose between summer and winter semester.
• First semester: You get to know the focal points sculpture/installation and painting/graphics before specialising.
• Individual support: One-on-one discussions and colloquia with professors support your development.
• Interdisciplinary projects: The course enables you to explore new artistic perspectives through collaboration.
• Degree: You graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) and 210 ECTS credits.

Career prospects after graduation

After completing the Bachelor's degree in Photography/Media Art, diverse artistic and creative career fields are open to you:

• Freelance artist: You work independently, exhibit your own works or participate in competitions and funding programmes.
• Exhibition management and media communication: With acquired additional skills, you are prepared for professional collaboration with galleries, museums or cultural institutions.
• Teaching activity: After the Bachelor's degree, you can pursue a Master's degree (e.g. art education) and obtain qualification for teaching positions.
• Curator: Employment in galleries, museums or cultural institutions is possible.
• Artistic assistant and commissioned work: Work as an assistant to other artists or acceptance of artistic projects.

Studying in Essen – your study location

The HBK Essen is centrally located in the Ruhr area, an important art and cultural landscape. The modern facilities, small course groups, and close supervision characterise the location. The creative environment in Essen and proximity to numerous art museums and galleries foster your artistic development.

Costs and financing options

There are tuition fees for the Bachelor's degree in Photography/Media Art at the HBK Essen. The costs are normally 495 EUR per month but can be reduced to up to 247.50 EUR per month depending on your financial situation.

• Total costs: approx. 20,000 EUR for the entire course of study (based on the standard period of study of 7 semesters).
• Reductions: Partial scholarships and financial support are possible after individual assessment.
• Financing: You can finance your studies through instalment payments, education loans, or scholarships.

Information on further financing options is available directly at the university.