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Deutsch Who is the dual degree programme Photography & Film (B.A.) suitable for?
The dual degree programme Photography & Film (B.A.) at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands is aimed at people who want to professionally combine photography and video production. The target group includes high school graduates, technical school graduates, as well as professionally qualified individuals who want to develop creative and technical skills in the field of visual media. It is particularly intended for those who want to develop and implement image and sound concepts for companies, agencies, media productions or social media marketing. The programme is suitable both for those interested in design and technology as well as for those seeking a practical foundation for a career in the media industry.
You must meet these admission requirements
To enrol in the dual degree programme Photography & Film, you need a university entrance qualification according to the guidelines of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Accepted qualifications and admission routes are:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
- Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (fachgebundene Hochschulreife)
- Master craftsman certificate (e.g. master craftsman or craftswoman)
- State-certified technician
- Degree as a business administrator (IHK or craft sector)
- State-certified business administrator
- Master craftsman candidate with advanced technical college entrance qualification
- Completion of a specialist school training programme of at least two years
- Specialist manager, specialist buyer
- Professionally qualified persons with a completed school leaving certificate, at least two years’ vocational training and then at least three years of subject-specific professional experience (if the vocational training is in an unrelated subject, an entrance examination is required)
Your admission qualification will be examined according to state law. There is no numerus clausus (NC).
You should have a strong interest in photography, film, storytelling and digital media production. Basic knowledge of design or technology, for example through school focus areas, hobbies or first practical projects, is helpful. Expectations of you include pronounced creativity, visual thinking, technical understanding (e.g. camera technology, software such as image editing or video editing), communication skills as well as the willingness to work in a team. Since the dual degree programme combines theory and practice, you should bring a readiness to learn, initiative and the ability for independent self-management in an online study environment. Openness to new technologies and trends in the media industry supports your learning success.
Study Content in Detail
In the dual Bachelor's degree course Photo & Film at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM), you acquire skills in the core areas of photography and video production. The degree programme combines creative know-how with technical expertise and strategic media competence. The main study contents include:
- Photography: Studio and on-location photography, staged portraits, visual storytelling, image editing, story conception
- Film Production: Camera and lighting technology, film basics, cinematic storytelling, advertising and corporate films, online interactive 360°
- Media Technology and Software: Handling of professional image and video editing software, software lab, animation
- Audio and Sound Design
- Media Law and Media Management: Media and press law, media calculation and controlling, corporate media strategies
- Economic Fundamentals: Business administration, business start-ups, marketing & sales
- Career Planning: Portfolio work, self-management and self-marketing, study in practice (SiP), academic work
You learn to develop creative concepts, implement media projects technically and organisationally, and position yourself strategically for a professional career in the media sector.
How Does the Dual Photo & Film Course Work?
The degree course lasts six semesters (36 months) and combines online teaching, on-site workshops and self-study:
- Online Teaching: You participate in interactive live online seminars, work in virtual teams and gain access to digital learning materials.
- On-site Workshops: Once per trimester, you spend a week with lecturers and fellow students on location in various metropolitan areas. There you deepen practical skills, for example in the photo studio, during film shoots or in creative labs.
- Self-study: Theory and basic modules are completed flexibly via the FHM Online University. Advanced online meetings ensure exchange and reflection within the study group.
- Practical Phases: From day one, you work at a practical partner company and apply study contents directly in your professional everyday life.
This dual structure enables the direct application of what you have learned in real projects and creates continuous practical relevance.
What Career Opportunities and Job Prospects Do You Have?
After graduation, you have a wide range of career paths open to you in the photo, film and media industry. Typical fields of employment include:
- Photographer in advertising, fashion, editorial or industrial sectors
- Film and video production for companies, agencies or media houses
- Content creation and media production for social media and online marketing
- Positions in marketing and communications departments, PR and communications agencies, digital agencies
- Cultural or social organisations, associations and NGOs in the field of visual communication
Specialised professionals with cross-media skills are particularly in demand in the area of online communication and content marketing. Freelance work as a photographer or filmmaker is also possible.
Location: Where and How Do You Study?
The course is offered as a blended study programme at the FHM Online University. The digital teaching enables you maximum flexibility for location-independent studying. The accompanying on-site workshops take place at alternating locations in major German cities. This way, you make contacts with fellow students and deepen the acquired knowledge in a practical way.
You complete your practical phase at a company of your choice, which acts as a recognised practical partner of the FHM. This allows you to integrate study projects directly into the real professional world.
What Does the Photo & Film Course Cost and How Can You Finance It?
The total cost for the dual course Photo & Film (B.A.) at FHM amounts to 23,720 euros over the entire study period (36 months).
- Tuition fee: 645 euros per month
- Final examination fee: 500 euros (one-time)
As a rule, your practical partner covers a large part or the full tuition fees since you are part of the company during your studies and work there. In individual cases, a personal contribution may be necessary. Inform yourself in good time about financing options such as BAföG, education loans or scholarships.
The direct practical relevance and the support through a practical partner facilitate your entry into professional life and improve your financial planning during your studies.
Advisory Service
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