Digital Film Design - Animation/VFX, Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor Digital Film Design – Who is this course suitable for?

The Bachelor's degree programme “Digital Film Design – Animation/VFX” at the Mediadesign University is aimed at future creators who are interested in modern film design, 3D animation and visual effects (VFX). If you want to tell stories with moving images, digital technology and creative ideas, design characters and worlds, or work on film, advertising or game productions, you will find the right entry point here. The course is particularly suitable for creative minds who enjoy drawing, designing and developing, and who are open to working with computer graphics and digital technology.

Overview of admission requirements

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur), advanced technical college entrance qualification or a comparable qualification recognised as equivalent
• Study is also possible without the Abitur according to § 11 BerlHG through subject-specific eligibility to study
• Applicants with international certificates can have their documents checked in advance via the uni-assist platform

The following documents are required for the application:

• Motivation letter (approx. 1 page)
• Work samples (for example sketches, pictures, collages or initial designs)
• Relevant certificates and a CV with a photo
• Applications are possible during the current school year (also before the Abitur); the Abitur certificate can be submitted later

Personal requirements and suitability

• Creativity and inventiveness
• A good sense of aesthetics, composition and design
• Interest in audiovisual media, animation and current cinematic trends
• Ability to work in a team and willingness to collaborate
• Enjoyment of storytelling and enthusiasm for developing ideas
• Willingness to get to grips with professional graphics and animation software

Important: You do not need specific prior knowledge of animation, VFX or software for the course. What matters is motivation, creativity and commitment. The university emphasises that your personality and talents are more important than perfect grades.

How is the Digital Film Design – Animation/VFX degree structured at the Mediadesign University?

In the Bachelor's degree programme Digital Film Design – Animation/VFX at the Mediadesign University of Design and Computer Science, you will learn how digital films, animations, and visual effects are created and realised. You will receive practical training that combines technical skills with creative abilities.

What do you learn in detail in the Digital Film Design course?

In this course, you will be introduced step by step to the entire spectrum of 2D and 3D animation, digital compositing, and state-of-the-art visual effects (VFX). You will work with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, Nuke, or Houdini and learn everything essential about storytelling, conception, and production of digital moving images.

• 3D Animation & Modelling: Development and animation of characters, objects and worlds in 3D.
• Film Design & Staging: Composition, camera work, lighting and sound technology, story development.
• Visualisation & Compositing: Combining real and computer-generated image and sound elements.
• Computer Graphics & Design: Learning visual basics such as typography, drawing and digital illustration.
• Character Design & Animation: Development of your own characters and their movement.
• Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technologies: Use of current AI tools and insights into virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR).
• Project Management & Teamwork: Working on real film projects in interdisciplinary teams – from the idea to the finished demo reel.

The focus lies on varied exercises and projects that are directly based on production conditions in the film industry.

How is the study programme organised?

• Duration: 7 semesters (standard period of study)
• Scope: 210 ECTS credits
• Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), officially recognised
• Start: Summer and winter semesters (e.g. 05.05.2025 and 01.10.2025)
• Languages of instruction: German or English (depending on location and choice)
• Mode of study: On-campus studies with practical projects, workshops and individual support

Each semester focuses on specific topics, such as basics of animation, deepening of VFX techniques, use of game engines or final projects like bachelor film and demo reel.

What career prospects and fields of activity do you have after your studies?

• 3D artist or 3D animator in animation, VFX and film studios
• VFX artist, compositor or FX artist in film and television production
• Post-production manager in traditional media companies
• Video content creator and motion designer – especially for social media, advertising or marketing departments
• Working in game studios, advertising agencies, social media agencies or traditional production companies
• New application fields such as visualisation in the automotive or architectural sector, e-learning content or product design

Graduates of mdh, for example, work at production companies such as Trixter, Pixomondo, Industrial Light & Magic or Pixomondo. They contribute to international major projects like Cloud Atlas, All Quiet on the Western Front or renowned branding campaigns and commercials.

Career advancement into management positions, such as VFX supervisor, is also possible after several years of professional experience. For further specialisation, the Master of Arts in Design is available afterwards.

At which locations can you complete the degree?

• Berlin: German or English language possible. Campus in a central location, diverse industry environment.
• Düsseldorf: German-language campus in the Media Harbour – ideal for contacts with agencies and the creative industries.
• Munich: Networked with the regional film and advertising industries, practice-oriented facilities.

All locations are modernly equipped and offer access to the latest media technology, production studios and creative communities.

What costs can you expect and how can you finance your studies?

• Tuition fees for EU citizens: from approx. €685 monthly or approx. €4,710 per semester (depending on campus and language)
• Tuition fees for non-EU citizens: from approx. €1,050 monthly or €6,300 per semester
• One-time fees: Registration fee €490, examination fee €1,050 (usually included in the price for non-EU citizens)

Discounts are available for advance payments (up to 5%). The Mediadesign University offers various financing options such as instalment payments, student loans and supports applying for BAföG.

Thanks to practical preparation and good contacts with companies, career and earning opportunities improve early on. According to the university, many graduates start directly after graduation with starting salaries around €43,000 per year.