Cinematographers have two identities. The artistic-creative one and the technical one, which merge in the job description and thus direct the viewer's gaze. The image is the prerequisite of cinematic storytelling – the visual style and artistic implementation are a crucial part of filmmaking.
The specialisation in “Cinematography / Director of Photography (DOP)” trains students to become storytellers and image designers who work with directors, production designers, and editors to visually shape the aesthetics and narrative of a film.
The programme provides students with the basic design, craft, and organisational skills of cinematography for feature films and documentaries. An important part of the curriculum also includes dramaturgical, creative, and production skills, which are tested and consolidated in collaboration with students from the other specialisations in a variety of projects and practical cooperation seminars. In the process, the cinematography students develop their own visual signature and their self-image as confident creative partners of directors and producers.
SINCE THE BACHELOR'S PROGRAMME FILM IS A GERMAN-LANGUAGE PROGRAMME, PLEASE FIND ALL FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE GERMAN-LANGUAGE PAGE.
A brief overview of the APPLICATION PROCEDURE in the following:
APPLICATION
The Bachelor's Programme Film accepts new students every two years starting in the winter semester. Admission takes place in a two-stage procedure:
- An online application with specialisation-specific application tasks
- An entrance examination to take place at the ifs
Candidates are selected on the basis of the submitted online applications and invited to the entrance examination. In this two-stage procedure, applicants must demonstrate their artistic and creative aptitude in relation to the BA Film programme and their desired specialisation.
ENTRY REQUIREMENT
General college or university qualifications
To ensure that qualifications obtained abroad meet the ifs’ entry requirements (university entrance qualification), applicants can consult the following database: http://anabin.kmk.org
If applicants do not have a university entrance qualification but demonstrate exceptional artistic aptitude, their eligibility must be determined through a separate evaluation process.
Very good knowledge of German
At the time of application, prospective international students must demonstrate a minimum language proficiency level of B2 (CEFR). Upon being offered a place, students must successfully pass the DSH-2 examination (German Language Test for University Admission). The application tasks must be completed in German.
Good English language skills
Proof of English language skills (good level) is not required. Where necessary, an assessment of your English language proficiency may be included in the entrance examination.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The ifs is a partner institution of TH Köln, and all ifs students are enrolled at TH Köln and can make use of the university’s services, such as the semester ticket for local public transport, access to the International Office, and the sports courses and facilities.
To obtain a visa or residency permit, foreign students must demonstrate sufficient funds to secure their living expenses before the start of their studies. The amount required is equivalent to the current Bafög maximum rate and is adjusted regularly. At the time of the visa application—or, for EU citizens, at the time of the residence permit application—proof must be provided of a total amount of 11,904 EUR for the first 12 months (992 EUR per month).
STUDY FEES
One Time Registration Fee: 400 euros
Tuition Fee per Semester: 1,750 euros
Semester Fee TH Köln: approx. 353 euros
